tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33113771622068650902024-02-28T18:42:59.475-05:00Paws on PeaksReviews of local dog-friendly romps, tales from the trail, and ramblings about dog gear and fostering. Join us as we discover the most awesome places for dogs around the Seacoast (NH) and our favorite hikes in the White Mountains!pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-8410534317272591042022-01-24T23:52:00.005-05:002022-02-02T03:29:08.513-05:00Local Fun: Bauneg Beg Mountain <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdEOWI51hX_FnH1-IFuX-HDXUrIsXVjSYcDiyMYq9D7LC1q8k1gH_caGxPOeTDDeSreAGT3jU5cFi69F9ND5WFe1i2qh9IAnLDzzYEaTkOpc1OsJi9p7AnDLGxACypGJ39Z6vF_8kuC-ZD-zt-8tBFjv6YXRvneSOdPFjCGqswS2oAqnjzSya7DWFQ=s3389" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3389" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdEOWI51hX_FnH1-IFuX-HDXUrIsXVjSYcDiyMYq9D7LC1q8k1gH_caGxPOeTDDeSreAGT3jU5cFi69F9ND5WFe1i2qh9IAnLDzzYEaTkOpc1OsJi9p7AnDLGxACypGJ39Z6vF_8kuC-ZD-zt-8tBFjv6YXRvneSOdPFjCGqswS2oAqnjzSya7DWFQ=w400-h216" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>On Saturday (1/23/22), we found a reprieve from the ice by checking out Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area (BB), a Great Works Regional Land Trust property that is comprised of a two-ish mile trail system featuring the three-peaked 866' Bauneg Beg Mountain. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA22Htmw_QJ1BfabYTyz1jfOQKI7L8RA5MR6XUvzFFkasK_QgQs22cYvqV06qv7l4kykMFpp8jp6kvrbR9UE6oI9heEN8VQGlxHBxaZhE8Cj63EFEGuiNZzWUdxM9SLrztLwpJ5bfHg9jpBJkjo3L89Z8HzFnZUnbUrtc2p7z0GfFev_9q9gt9kpIX=s2108" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2108" data-original-width="1786" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA22Htmw_QJ1BfabYTyz1jfOQKI7L8RA5MR6XUvzFFkasK_QgQs22cYvqV06qv7l4kykMFpp8jp6kvrbR9UE6oI9heEN8VQGlxHBxaZhE8Cj63EFEGuiNZzWUdxM9SLrztLwpJ5bfHg9jpBJkjo3L89Z8HzFnZUnbUrtc2p7z0GfFev_9q9gt9kpIX=w169-h200" width="169" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before jumping in to our report, may I introduce the third member of our pack of blondies - Jinx!! She's the sweetest Mississippi girl, maybe a herder/Malinois mix, who we've been fostering since September and became embedded in our weird little pack faster than she could be adopted out!</div><div><br /></div><div>So the ladies and I started up the trail around 11:00AM. The small lot (room for 5-6 cars) was full so we tucked in on the side. There are two entrances for BB: the main lot on Fox Farm Hill Road and a pull off with space for about two cars on Bauneg Beg Hill Road. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiUYqGPLouuOYbiPoYiQGV_KUcj3nzmtarlEp-X6KQJYhFQmnlTMc1hgO7xukf0OcmOJs63Lf6GDTqBGpIZZAscxWKLbEGo1dHgjKW9wArG_1KbIt8nld1dM4iBlgrnjihncAf-sp8lXm7ZKWKfApgflyA2t0X8DFeM7BznVrurHGLNUuRTzv09L6l=s3514" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2131" data-original-width="3514" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiUYqGPLouuOYbiPoYiQGV_KUcj3nzmtarlEp-X6KQJYhFQmnlTMc1hgO7xukf0OcmOJs63Lf6GDTqBGpIZZAscxWKLbEGo1dHgjKW9wArG_1KbIt8nld1dM4iBlgrnjihncAf-sp8lXm7ZKWKfApgflyA2t0X8DFeM7BznVrurHGLNUuRTzv09L6l=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After a short and avoidable section of boiler plate ice at the beginning, the Bauneg Beg Trail hooks left and wanders gently upwards along a wide path through open woods. While less that 25 minutes from home, where all of the trails are covered in ice, I was stoked to learn BB offered perfect packed powder conditions. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGa-4PNWYAxAbTEB40zWZPUjamQWAameRE7_ZsUISU3Cweqd1gfC-DVCUqh9EewIh34VEsY9xYsLr9XWijX32F-SmJRtaa6nRUiqexTOTOju0SWT1SQxFlS_MngOOca8vzVGHZYSkxgAaK_QEfBqRpRbU8clQxFvDZL6XBaaMsq84GbJiRKbEkHZgS=s2707" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2707" data-original-width="1901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGa-4PNWYAxAbTEB40zWZPUjamQWAameRE7_ZsUISU3Cweqd1gfC-DVCUqh9EewIh34VEsY9xYsLr9XWijX32F-SmJRtaa6nRUiqexTOTOju0SWT1SQxFlS_MngOOca8vzVGHZYSkxgAaK_QEfBqRpRbU8clQxFvDZL6XBaaMsq84GbJiRKbEkHZgS=s320" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of Bauneg Beg Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrfOiWT3yz1drREUV5nSl8IVxq6-LdDh_lYcMGkOp81XMl8dC3brNQkgRmnZOzcN_D3LDLyp_9OaakMadCTWW5hILHlfrUKvFmf6IP2bdF5GQWcrx8lvX1qXBLcnED3EAaiHsncCFgvb1seZo0TBWJC87qYIIcT4AS0beV65wae3M0raxf1aAB_9Yl=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrfOiWT3yz1drREUV5nSl8IVxq6-LdDh_lYcMGkOp81XMl8dC3brNQkgRmnZOzcN_D3LDLyp_9OaakMadCTWW5hILHlfrUKvFmf6IP2bdF5GQWcrx8lvX1qXBLcnED3EAaiHsncCFgvb1seZo0TBWJC87qYIIcT4AS0beV65wae3M0raxf1aAB_9Yl=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bauneg Beg Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We took the right onto North Peak Loop and reached the summit in just a few minutes after walking through a small pine stand, a stone fence, and into a small clearing with a cairn.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKuWs8sKQPQ9e-ss6BGCVAC1eaXoXQPrvZUOUGPaGvn-xQqsKCOwGKAZITGjEXez3wffDP9PU2snbUSLMhpWWIj9XmEC1hTg7e3JjShL9rTpah7LzArL2HTMEcABEbW-3bIGL2OT3RA1uzQOjpZ_IS2t_JEekxaQ02tL7ytksJ7fSECjhH15eHItI=s3285" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1823" data-original-width="3285" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKuWs8sKQPQ9e-ss6BGCVAC1eaXoXQPrvZUOUGPaGvn-xQqsKCOwGKAZITGjEXez3wffDP9PU2snbUSLMhpWWIj9XmEC1hTg7e3JjShL9rTpah7LzArL2HTMEcABEbW-3bIGL2OT3RA1uzQOjpZ_IS2t_JEekxaQ02tL7ytksJ7fSECjhH15eHItI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitxfjBLWJpVwUyZGACX72xPTs61pWb5OjV7TIPFUwXT6CbQlPWjo3uMr9BxC6p2oGLeHCZ5TH3JBokzRc90kBr_RwMyjcSbRxku_z8BXXPGvIEzL7VbQtlyIVSalVdeBz8DZBuKvpWW9C2aDakLtyGHvBTKjC5-REGm8yXoDRD7-CoKjukTJsc4c7u=s2665" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2665" data-original-width="2122" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitxfjBLWJpVwUyZGACX72xPTs61pWb5OjV7TIPFUwXT6CbQlPWjo3uMr9BxC6p2oGLeHCZ5TH3JBokzRc90kBr_RwMyjcSbRxku_z8BXXPGvIEzL7VbQtlyIVSalVdeBz8DZBuKvpWW9C2aDakLtyGHvBTKjC5-REGm8yXoDRD7-CoKjukTJsc4c7u=s320" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAtdVWskOpKEOQFUpW0uIFUCq8PazLZBsfauERYJE2vNE0SE33kZ1qE8-IZkMtSwePRdOPDdPf8DX1zYzsMs2-98uAIOIQPPyWeYL7u5FS7zyR3bmlYdJ9tISBfpKseMF2wgOQIcsN6ul5w_UW8SMmoOn1lwAN4jIjFK-yrNVXWOSPz-yaaekNbBga=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAtdVWskOpKEOQFUpW0uIFUCq8PazLZBsfauERYJE2vNE0SE33kZ1qE8-IZkMtSwePRdOPDdPf8DX1zYzsMs2-98uAIOIQPPyWeYL7u5FS7zyR3bmlYdJ9tISBfpKseMF2wgOQIcsN6ul5w_UW8SMmoOn1lwAN4jIjFK-yrNVXWOSPz-yaaekNbBga=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>From there, we followed the trail as it zigged and zagged to the next intersection where we kept (slight) right onto Linny's Way and scaled a very short but rocky ascent to Middle Peak. It's a nice spot for a break and limited view. The trail description states the Whites can be seen on a clear day. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjACWKbQyp1yQ0aCU9tBJjS9SQkyuZAeJlVE7oadlsJerugcsQVgQg2MBpOWbAfMaW_DsIVCnj9IC4n6iT9DQ0B-ve4-CUUierZpWFFMRiHLpJQWtLuZj-EZJXmlhlpSE6-bnWjNCn20dUc_bUSx8c6BaiQ-_AImddCCkzGvqTQMsPipBb0Xy-ivp6F=s3151" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3151" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjACWKbQyp1yQ0aCU9tBJjS9SQkyuZAeJlVE7oadlsJerugcsQVgQg2MBpOWbAfMaW_DsIVCnj9IC4n6iT9DQ0B-ve4-CUUierZpWFFMRiHLpJQWtLuZj-EZJXmlhlpSE6-bnWjNCn20dUc_bUSx8c6BaiQ-_AImddCCkzGvqTQMsPipBb0Xy-ivp6F=s320" width="230" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice view of where we're heading</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6jH5uOt7Y66Ghv0bEsBYDimrWEiWFoXyfkpcmWmUxD7DwGtnYAnsa8MsY4NAw1eYo5NqL3Q_jHbleiLsEFPu7nZDjoVadzRrdV7j0xjeUtdUrb2WYff2O1MokVDo22WLxNiOUggJ6Al6hAJh18BoDGAliJ6EfwYwveAH0JihpgxtYUdB_xHDKonu4=s3791" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3791" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6jH5uOt7Y66Ghv0bEsBYDimrWEiWFoXyfkpcmWmUxD7DwGtnYAnsa8MsY4NAw1eYo5NqL3Q_jHbleiLsEFPu7nZDjoVadzRrdV7j0xjeUtdUrb2WYff2O1MokVDo22WLxNiOUggJ6Al6hAJh18BoDGAliJ6EfwYwveAH0JihpgxtYUdB_xHDKonu4=s320" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjcae-14Phgp3EXvjdag-oc8ncABve-03_tjxQAzBvIsMzrinVaV4AiNsIdif0IxKPo6PDhs3LetUFcCCdztwKtSABHgxTHgbx_dRi52wtcaO0FQnG4ufisQInfroIV-RlOsV6EWDoDi26FkSImZk7psfUBQ4J47KDa8Z65h9mOr9-Agi6S5uBTnXG=s4016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2119" data-original-width="4016" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjcae-14Phgp3EXvjdag-oc8ncABve-03_tjxQAzBvIsMzrinVaV4AiNsIdif0IxKPo6PDhs3LetUFcCCdztwKtSABHgxTHgbx_dRi52wtcaO0FQnG4ufisQInfroIV-RlOsV6EWDoDi26FkSImZk7psfUBQ4J47KDa8Z65h9mOr9-Agi6S5uBTnXG=w400-h211" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the top</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Just past the lookout is the next intersection, where one can choose to head down Tom's Way towards the secondary entrance or loop back towards the main entrance via Ginny's Way. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ran down Tom's for the sake of exploration. It was fun, less travelled, and similar to the other trails in the way it twisted through the woods.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj9cno4iUQlR0Rj0UZ9GRSF5YU5KDOaDJgTSpjhhWTxh6yUMEZQWzHZ3U5yORS975UBm_zvU0RSkewEwcKB3Mk2CIUBS5qKk-M0LjGw8ASYD8GqrkorD1YVChZq2DNs-fnbJqCpHGEVbPSmhI7PZCFYi09SFKhVOmtseC9IhsGADXE7Fnt-fFdVhnk=s3693" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3693" data-original-width="2077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj9cno4iUQlR0Rj0UZ9GRSF5YU5KDOaDJgTSpjhhWTxh6yUMEZQWzHZ3U5yORS975UBm_zvU0RSkewEwcKB3Mk2CIUBS5qKk-M0LjGw8ASYD8GqrkorD1YVChZq2DNs-fnbJqCpHGEVbPSmhI7PZCFYi09SFKhVOmtseC9IhsGADXE7Fnt-fFdVhnk=s320" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg61zTlkJw4tzr1AZjh5Wt8gmtsbvy01NbK0EsHqgAPFSi_8tCxWJ6qRQlcCWQQFmVyC_ixoodFA9EBZ5bJ5BtqhStf2X6z1snp54wZR4KaYzI1sjXztDISYatpvBgIojNMgzsyqhATf7v5K02tnvjE0fxtJBshy7WkyoH-aMY57Owb5NHtDANyFqxZ=s2848" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg61zTlkJw4tzr1AZjh5Wt8gmtsbvy01NbK0EsHqgAPFSi_8tCxWJ6qRQlcCWQQFmVyC_ixoodFA9EBZ5bJ5BtqhStf2X6z1snp54wZR4KaYzI1sjXztDISYatpvBgIojNMgzsyqhATf7v5K02tnvjE0fxtJBshy7WkyoH-aMY57Owb5NHtDANyFqxZ=s320" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Once we finished backtracking Tom's, we took Ginny's Way down the hill. We hit one giant frozen puddle but it was otherwise smooth sailing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo3AbjNrdpueEau06ecqLuQgCFgSFT9V7ouOzRhPIWw9XGohueio9tZ9rMJ3_xUf5UQoE-P9RQyoIILIDvfMssNxNDLake9JDPXsGzbB10MSXC9i7BX2Qg07oiXGl80YgDcL3Fpn0Dg6ejKkPpDudDTwGJPEOGqvjeTPop-tSFoMuF2pTAr8FnOH4F=s3381" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3381" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo3AbjNrdpueEau06ecqLuQgCFgSFT9V7ouOzRhPIWw9XGohueio9tZ9rMJ3_xUf5UQoE-P9RQyoIILIDvfMssNxNDLake9JDPXsGzbB10MSXC9i7BX2Qg07oiXGl80YgDcL3Fpn0Dg6ejKkPpDudDTwGJPEOGqvjeTPop-tSFoMuF2pTAr8FnOH4F=s320" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginny's Way after descending Middle Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESPSUzKHRyEXcq21SQWtFcYjEigSnSAEacu7TL3Rz7vFQ2pCECPy0ol2GXziN_atyD3S1-GBzZlU4ElzVSkuERk0c9kUOZYQ08lY6XtGilIlVuJs4QwITfULcfgxmMCC7nXBQv8g57W-tHFiuKxuYbZIBFLx1rqb6uNuN7RKANxzIDU4dNOfCitJu=s2757" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2757" data-original-width="2167" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESPSUzKHRyEXcq21SQWtFcYjEigSnSAEacu7TL3Rz7vFQ2pCECPy0ol2GXziN_atyD3S1-GBzZlU4ElzVSkuERk0c9kUOZYQ08lY6XtGilIlVuJs4QwITfULcfgxmMCC7nXBQv8g57W-tHFiuKxuYbZIBFLx1rqb6uNuN7RKANxzIDU4dNOfCitJu=s320" width="252" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice patch ahead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0414f6wV47vpuzBekr6GOlnNPNt2t-JjGQ3RWnICxb7CZDi3NcGD469bkwkl2lXfSq5EmosrJ1ZjpdNzBW4naWe12rbcWrAVim4bNmasi03aRLAFnllbRboMJZ4byjAHm6jbSFfMBRvQuzreVVwRLC8KeUoo9qofre95TPdJNsp14jH7xOgKkWDg=s3104" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3104" data-original-width="2083" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0414f6wV47vpuzBekr6GOlnNPNt2t-JjGQ3RWnICxb7CZDi3NcGD469bkwkl2lXfSq5EmosrJ1ZjpdNzBW4naWe12rbcWrAVim4bNmasi03aRLAFnllbRboMJZ4byjAHm6jbSFfMBRvQuzreVVwRLC8KeUoo9qofre95TPdJNsp14jH7xOgKkWDg=s320" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ginny's Way meeting back up with Bauneg Beg Trail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><i>Overall Impressions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj_Xj6S5bbYzfQjBQyrsLnDB15gxUKggqKk4nSjKxVc3zNWuGzXaj0A62XWhXKrpwbCluFOSujt2IFhYq1mt0XP2-yNANswq4a0cfD1tWzWjtQEDZxDTBA2qolLmiNLIO-dxgDXNU9f7_FNZmNcdjdaf1LphJSzUG_AiHy5ujZfeaMvprmdaYmQdh3=s2431" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2431" data-original-width="1967" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj_Xj6S5bbYzfQjBQyrsLnDB15gxUKggqKk4nSjKxVc3zNWuGzXaj0A62XWhXKrpwbCluFOSujt2IFhYq1mt0XP2-yNANswq4a0cfD1tWzWjtQEDZxDTBA2qolLmiNLIO-dxgDXNU9f7_FNZmNcdjdaf1LphJSzUG_AiHy5ujZfeaMvprmdaYmQdh3=w162-h200" width="162" /></a></div>The girls were all about this one! There's only two miles of trails so we covered them all and only ran into two other parties. They may have been the curviest trails I've ever been on; rarely did one go where I expected it to and there were only a few straightaways. All of the trails and junctions were very well marked and the scenery was beautiful, especially around Middle Peak. It was very fun but I'm thinking when the leaves come in on the trees, it might be a little too unpredictable for Miss Reactive; we'll see! For being 25 minutes from home, I'm stoked to have learned there's a nearby trail system other than Blue Job (which we love but is icy and busy) that offers a little hilliness. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Trail Map</i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-WyAuSQRn9aVqRyjqh54YoEj9m-a0_T2lkmufADh1PlcR39bW9rFsC1dPQPDbAy5IgONFpFDYe3Vd2UTfAsJtkw3OtixT_z02if1oWEU0hfKzAVsdGwk4eLrlI38g3MtMKKfbF_lTrRK5iaEJrS4kEKYisBvHK6z8Z4iqT08K3kx40Q-CahjwMQQ=s1442" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-WyAuSQRn9aVqRyjqh54YoEj9m-a0_T2lkmufADh1PlcR39bW9rFsC1dPQPDbAy5IgONFpFDYe3Vd2UTfAsJtkw3OtixT_z02if1oWEU0hfKzAVsdGwk4eLrlI38g3MtMKKfbF_lTrRK5iaEJrS4kEKYisBvHK6z8Z4iqT08K3kx40Q-CahjwMQQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GWRLT/photos/a.2999083100142280/2999083270142263">https://www.facebook.com/GWRLT/photos/a.2999083100142280/2999083270142263</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>FMI:</i></div><div><a href="https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/bauneg-beg-mountain-conservation-area">https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/bauneg-beg-mountain-conservation-area</a></div><div><a href="https://baunegbeg.com/">https://baunegbeg.com/</a></div><div><a href="https://mainebyfoot.com/bauneg-beg-mountain-conservation-area-north-berwick/">https://mainebyfoot.com/bauneg-beg-mountain-conservation-area-north-berwick/</a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-59652824096931798982021-12-01T22:26:00.004-05:002021-12-01T22:26:45.846-05:00A Quiet Walk in Evan's Notch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNC9E7b3kIpsMzp5t6NxAaZwYoUdSmbbPlu21lVeOErPexM9avIvAEa6wCgn7jy4M8dP4b2i_jqH3sgIlbQVtrNQVdihSMkPpamGm_nL4o4iQSTBfnMuveiMXvGOCUDIIUPk87G5C25c/s4032/20210716_093642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNC9E7b3kIpsMzp5t6NxAaZwYoUdSmbbPlu21lVeOErPexM9avIvAEa6wCgn7jy4M8dP4b2i_jqH3sgIlbQVtrNQVdihSMkPpamGm_nL4o4iQSTBfnMuveiMXvGOCUDIIUPk87G5C25c/w640-h360/20210716_093642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Most walks & hikes in Evan's Notch are quiet! So which one did we take?* Probably a more well known one: Shell Pond Loop. </p><p>*This is a mega flashback to the summer, my picture-taking efforts have been weak!</p><p>The trail lies almost entirely on private property but corteous hikers are permitted. Parking is down Stone House Road off of Rt 113 in Evan's Notch and there are a few spots just before the gate - though as we left, vans were lining up along the side of the road as well. We didn't see a soul until the end of our walk but the lot was full when we returned, though I suspect many were there for other hikes: the property also offers access to Blueberry Mountain, a great little hike with a gorgeous view. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLlUH-jGftYJn70hVmZuud_jxiiMTl_KBXIQHYTj7EG6nzUx3Ogcj4W82L50fWr9TXYCtO2XVCFBATWTny3mdP4YOZ3zWeZZum1xMZ7ruSTl59LNE7K7aiCbE4VTGqQIsGiGMQ76nKMg/s4032/20210716_100653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLlUH-jGftYJn70hVmZuud_jxiiMTl_KBXIQHYTj7EG6nzUx3Ogcj4W82L50fWr9TXYCtO2XVCFBATWTny3mdP4YOZ3zWeZZum1xMZ7ruSTl59LNE7K7aiCbE4VTGqQIsGiGMQ76nKMg/s320/20210716_100653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGXh5SP8DEQLbzo7vHgmo3ajBE7RI1SynLc1Dk57tsqUUCOp_1714omZfUiBKpbF7iMU5U5pTzJWYXcJsTb8CIfT05SOj4SQeJ7oCe9okPt-2sf8-x1hPLr-QzcboiYRdfbP9yM362Es/s3355/20210716_090350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3355" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGXh5SP8DEQLbzo7vHgmo3ajBE7RI1SynLc1Dk57tsqUUCOp_1714omZfUiBKpbF7iMU5U5pTzJWYXcJsTb8CIfT05SOj4SQeJ7oCe9okPt-2sf8-x1hPLr-QzcboiYRdfbP9yM362Es/w135-h200/20210716_090350.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>With the heat, I opted for the much flatter option. All hikers begin by passing the gate and beginning their walk up the dirt road. Shell Pond Loop Trail diverges to the right shortly afterwards. It weaves and winds; my first time almost losing the trail was where it seemed to hook left but there was a bridge straight ahead. Continue over the bridge and <i>then </i>to the left to stick with it. The trail then climbs a bit but there were a few small drinking holes for the girls. The trail follows the shoreline of the pond - but not in the manner I'd hoped. It's never reachable on the south side, as the trail climbs into the woods, creating a steep slide to the water. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OWwJVrUMGAxd6wwu2V1qoAGsPXK-KBe7ALLwicUu6Ruf7UZRoKsBtF5e28l1nanOJh-AYzw1TxoDBf_f6cQ77UC9cJTo58KR1P7FGGh3rSexJMKjX-_rzO_0sRBYnwtiXP9EVc0a7TA/s4032/20210716_085603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OWwJVrUMGAxd6wwu2V1qoAGsPXK-KBe7ALLwicUu6Ruf7UZRoKsBtF5e28l1nanOJh-AYzw1TxoDBf_f6cQ77UC9cJTo58KR1P7FGGh3rSexJMKjX-_rzO_0sRBYnwtiXP9EVc0a7TA/s320/20210716_085603.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLdQDwtn3BJr2hz33s6EU3LTHqUnfk7_mwwqj-su-t5XdFap4enSiGxowtcqX7I0qLgq5hm5ry8DDOeO1H6L1OvwU5O05eOmRBVtiGBOutmfGgmzCB87TtKB7RPoXYu6o4_oejmw22-Q/s4032/20210716_090643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLdQDwtn3BJr2hz33s6EU3LTHqUnfk7_mwwqj-su-t5XdFap4enSiGxowtcqX7I0qLgq5hm5ry8DDOeO1H6L1OvwU5O05eOmRBVtiGBOutmfGgmzCB87TtKB7RPoXYu6o4_oejmw22-Q/s320/20210716_090643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCm1dO2ko9vBGWEju-bM_WjX-f7w0M0SoqHLTtCdzDB9SiXCtm3IWGmew0BHKPR6FgmND3cvnfaGR8cg501mdUtQytqHMwT3x6PqLjg5aLHT58_yLV3N2_d0PIAiJnx0AgS0l-23FL3g/s4032/20210716_091918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCm1dO2ko9vBGWEju-bM_WjX-f7w0M0SoqHLTtCdzDB9SiXCtm3IWGmew0BHKPR6FgmND3cvnfaGR8cg501mdUtQytqHMwT3x6PqLjg5aLHT58_yLV3N2_d0PIAiJnx0AgS0l-23FL3g/s320/20210716_091918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water: so close, yet so far!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpyz6r8Vw1hNCZdOLgtSJRpvRj8aWhZj1YFR3ZPRJPT9NaGXNIErYiNs6KLKmyj9F9wmFD9d8k3AREEOV2unBxE8IASVW1iOZdDrSF1XwbiGBIXoFHZ6Me9OA-K4P8GytRV4hMco2XGo/s4032/20210716_092254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpyz6r8Vw1hNCZdOLgtSJRpvRj8aWhZj1YFR3ZPRJPT9NaGXNIErYiNs6KLKmyj9F9wmFD9d8k3AREEOV2unBxE8IASVW1iOZdDrSF1XwbiGBIXoFHZ6Me9OA-K4P8GytRV4hMco2XGo/s320/20210716_092254.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><p>As we came around the east side of the pond and started traveling north, we finally got some good wallowing spots, much to the girls' excitement. It also looked like it could get very muddy (it does shortly afterwards)! There is one spot with a nice view of the pond and a stone bench but no easy access. The girls found where wildlife have parted the brush and enjoyed their last dip in the pond before we continued.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sv39jd8f06xD_FQNKSaVH18XFAJIrs5QOUBAzvdzQIgVDsWbI0TAUoBZHe9VaaUmmXwenp4KTZIS324vKPA7vMdxelTm-0PaQTjo3PwxC88RyDY70go-2ErUxXr2sZQOpsRePRWZbec/s4032/20210716_093630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sv39jd8f06xD_FQNKSaVH18XFAJIrs5QOUBAzvdzQIgVDsWbI0TAUoBZHe9VaaUmmXwenp4KTZIS324vKPA7vMdxelTm-0PaQTjo3PwxC88RyDY70go-2ErUxXr2sZQOpsRePRWZbec/w400-h225/20210716_093630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys59W7JS90xv6eOjp-nH9AkPEJ1qNyPKac3QaK1ai8ZWrkyyMQw9FEoxRWU85BJ7DsPH_33vmzVHJB7aDnQ8PKmC2mhHkFIczklhRuH-6Aqw24rCeBnres8ZKpNx56KNJlL-AmJBEKo4/s4032/20210716_094052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys59W7JS90xv6eOjp-nH9AkPEJ1qNyPKac3QaK1ai8ZWrkyyMQw9FEoxRWU85BJ7DsPH_33vmzVHJB7aDnQ8PKmC2mhHkFIczklhRuH-6Aqw24rCeBnres8ZKpNx56KNJlL-AmJBEKo4/w113-h200/20210716_094052.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>Where the loop turns west, there is an intersection with a trail that leads out to Evergreen Valley/Shell Pond Rd - we kept left but apparently there's a fabulous emerald green swimming hole to the right before the road. From here to the grassy fields, I found some difficulty navigating the trail proper, as it was overtaken with water and the grasses had grown wildly tall. Nevertheless, we linked together the obvious sections until we crossed a bridge and arrived in the field where the trail signs eventually picked back up. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-ay-2mTRBk-K6C26Fgl9qpse25MS94ce7DNLkdiLjo0wqJFDvYe8I0CeVoRH_Y1YSe6LGNw0YsedWzqyNoXrKuWceqpOH6t9XUxDLOyxI63VU0K9pCcqaM6aqTd7-Z96bxAX5ULS1Fk/s4032/20210716_094251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-ay-2mTRBk-K6C26Fgl9qpse25MS94ce7DNLkdiLjo0wqJFDvYe8I0CeVoRH_Y1YSe6LGNw0YsedWzqyNoXrKuWceqpOH6t9XUxDLOyxI63VU0K9pCcqaM6aqTd7-Z96bxAX5ULS1Fk/s320/20210716_094251.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMPE0KRFLjDYfe9p8D_LdfLqXqLcty6c1L0WRBQGtziNeaErL5Aqn0fm19QIPfWL1ADUfOeWq4IAJsVI2WSQSi37otQl4ANdIuJjr3XshXNlGBsei_NlPVsuYiE2Nkh8wcLhnWuQw_7U/s4032/20210716_094516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMPE0KRFLjDYfe9p8D_LdfLqXqLcty6c1L0WRBQGtziNeaErL5Aqn0fm19QIPfWL1ADUfOeWq4IAJsVI2WSQSi37otQl4ANdIuJjr3XshXNlGBsei_NlPVsuYiE2Nkh8wcLhnWuQw_7U/s320/20210716_094516.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kiegJ_SlZQ3JxlqK_3f87S-ufYitGDgXH7BVkYooVHoJdVyybbOZPnLHrV6EEh_l1fUN2nzfXNsfcW0GW36f3gIiKJU9BHXr3-qfqXPXzNHwbazIbw-JlLCEkIu3FZI8hUJDU4ZrElk/s4032/20210716_094646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kiegJ_SlZQ3JxlqK_3f87S-ufYitGDgXH7BVkYooVHoJdVyybbOZPnLHrV6EEh_l1fUN2nzfXNsfcW0GW36f3gIiKJU9BHXr3-qfqXPXzNHwbazIbw-JlLCEkIu3FZI8hUJDU4ZrElk/s320/20210716_094646.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>This is where I reeled the girls in from their long lines, as the trail passed by the residences and I wondered if I had erred again. Looking back over the photos, we were on the right track... which also serves as an air strip. All's well that ends well!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx9dZsyY7fWZWHt0FMfJzWl76-Rzg_FNlIsIGliTaOW47Ul743E8Omc7wyr46xJrCrfb52EMZ62fnFH_9Hr82wN6O98lZcRYjprMT2nFpp6iXOrxDqstbUkp2jgOAxaEwDxfydKFLhfY/s4032/20210716_095140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx9dZsyY7fWZWHt0FMfJzWl76-Rzg_FNlIsIGliTaOW47Ul743E8Omc7wyr46xJrCrfb52EMZ62fnFH_9Hr82wN6O98lZcRYjprMT2nFpp6iXOrxDqstbUkp2jgOAxaEwDxfydKFLhfY/s320/20210716_095140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCq0ad7LdIXUkqAiXAiPmyqMMZYgVmo5cccwuHl3ncdLuxGYxHirx1MgJ4fSq7JZ10pdNsAsv8LhIpfPMekY2UfFBmf-fIHEvkin7-ir0qBGwWGYl7rVdPa_B1XATZNnTZGe_nPM7OU/s3167/20210716_095255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3167" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCq0ad7LdIXUkqAiXAiPmyqMMZYgVmo5cccwuHl3ncdLuxGYxHirx1MgJ4fSq7JZ10pdNsAsv8LhIpfPMekY2UfFBmf-fIHEvkin7-ir0qBGwWGYl7rVdPa_B1XATZNnTZGe_nPM7OU/s320/20210716_095255.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKg_oYKPWdgqP-SehJjS5Mu5mlqfs7QxfcfqjCkU_lV308O9zeUXyGDwpKQUmZ-LT5LWYP7T65jRozI22eUKdNjNNVsKdwipsYTnBor-CMTpg43TKxU8or4ldmPZ-yn7DwpcHtLsriLU/s4032/20210716_095321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKg_oYKPWdgqP-SehJjS5Mu5mlqfs7QxfcfqjCkU_lV308O9zeUXyGDwpKQUmZ-LT5LWYP7T65jRozI22eUKdNjNNVsKdwipsYTnBor-CMTpg43TKxU8or4ldmPZ-yn7DwpcHtLsriLU/s320/20210716_095321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After the pretty but scorching walk through the field, we enjoyed the partial shade of the road and final small stream/water opportunity for the girls before returning to the car, which was no longer alone in the lot; the early bird gets the empty trails - again!. </p><p><b><i>Summary</i></b></p><p>While there's nothing particularly outstanding about Shell Pond, it is an undeniably enjoyable walk in the woods. Different sites put it at 3.4-4.0 miles in length. The trail is wide and easy to maneuver, the girls found ample water to stay hydrated, and there was an intriguingly wild element to navigating the flooded north side of the trail. I recall thinking the loop would be a very nice snowshoeing location - if the road is open in the winter. In the moment, it was also perfect for walking with Arya, who continues to improve in her reactivity but sometimes it's nice for all to simply <i>walk</i> without any triggers or training! Others may use the beginning of the trail as a means to an end (Blueberry Mountain); we were more than satisfied with our walk around the pond and its limited but very Maine-y views. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR15boYtKuoFWdHh3xXw6bQDP_pnN2PR9eeJqHlNPuJK1B8OGB_qHC22n5jEJMAZoD8yKCryd3kBNVRf6V_1j9-B_oATsuaTplyNwYXUMxSbzfZqOd2pWsShzUVALVSvwrHvNFii5InQc/s4032/20210716_093238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR15boYtKuoFWdHh3xXw6bQDP_pnN2PR9eeJqHlNPuJK1B8OGB_qHC22n5jEJMAZoD8yKCryd3kBNVRf6V_1j9-B_oATsuaTplyNwYXUMxSbzfZqOd2pWsShzUVALVSvwrHvNFii5InQc/w400-h225/20210716_093238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-89966071158578561782021-07-22T01:25:00.008-04:002022-06-01T10:00:33.395-04:00Camping with dogs: The human's tricks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKVfhZIonJoD7RTC7KN1Ry3LYKy_zwjHXe208rt_vRsbmzjCAHe8Ti2M92YRqYal7vsU6AakU5EPJQaTfUaQHe1XiW4Z0vLQSLbONyDi_gINfRwCWLs1ZSI-uH5_H7sL7aEfYZJixTmI/s2237/20210720_174243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="2237" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKVfhZIonJoD7RTC7KN1Ry3LYKy_zwjHXe208rt_vRsbmzjCAHe8Ti2M92YRqYal7vsU6AakU5EPJQaTfUaQHe1XiW4Z0vLQSLbONyDi_gINfRwCWLs1ZSI-uH5_H7sL7aEfYZJixTmI/w400-h319/20210720_174243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span>I admit, no reinventing the wheel with this one but it's a post I have wanted to make for awhile: my go-to best practices for camping with dogs. And since the internet allows any ole anyone to share their two cents, I've finally gone ahead and pulled together an obnoxiously cliche <b>five </b>favorite strategies from the many little hacks and top tips that I've tweaked over the last nine years that have made for a more fun, less bark-y experience that I think will be applicable to others.</span></p><p><span>I wrote this list with a couple ground rules in mind: you've already decided that your pup will likely enjoy camping and, while it'll be a learning experience, they probably won't be so reactive that it's a 24-hour training session, overexcited that they're anticipating every passerby to welcome them to camp, nor any other personality feature that could use some addressing beforehand. Neither is this list meant to address etiquette/rules or safety (e.g. proof of vaccination) - it's focus is on strategies to enhance enjoyment. Finally, while I believe all of these have at least some application to a number of types of camping, we're car campers staying at developed (but not "resort") sites.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Select your site with care<br /></b>I consider a few factors when picking a campground such as time of year, proximity to activities we enjoy and crowding (we're not fans). My girlies love hiking and swimming so we stay near extensive trail systems. We frequent WMNF campgrounds; in New Hampshire, they tend to be consistently distant from Ty's worst triggers of gunfire and fireworks. If we stay at a private campground, I'll give them a ring before booking, which also helps give me a sense of just how dog friendly they are. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In general, quiet sites tend to work best for any dog. "Quiet(er)" can translate to <i>not</i> near the camp host, bathrooms, dumpsters, or any other amenities - or the off season. I'm partial to sites that have built-in sight barriers like an Adirondack shelter, a thick lining of trees between sites, or that are configured such that I can park my car broadside, blocking my dogs' view of the camp road (to reduce barking/maintain tranquility).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCYGMk5cSgXU-u1ZwOxaK2vwWERP9PACd4agD0EGP74_nJwmTwHvYulxmu1OBrNWdeYACMOKjfX8m3S4RD8SVJjo4iNILRhA4xHDKkcDCbPkn4koeiZODyXusF73zdS72a2ZKCt4U_wo/s3824/20210720_174321.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3824" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCYGMk5cSgXU-u1ZwOxaK2vwWERP9PACd4agD0EGP74_nJwmTwHvYulxmu1OBrNWdeYACMOKjfX8m3S4RD8SVJjo4iNILRhA4xHDKkcDCbPkn4koeiZODyXusF73zdS72a2ZKCt4U_wo/s320/20210720_174321.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span>Arya's first trip, we rented an Adirondack shelter, knowing<br /></span><span>a 360* view would be overload. Worked like a charm!</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. A tired dog is a calm camp dog</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpKjh5EUuj4JBePgV47K6N578YvwdOcMyb9_9aGFlrIKc8hmHHXYgPN1dkG_pRKNqR6XDTb-xnY7HgUNlaPYnfcf2Vule4iZYVwicGXDN4n30t4kujVCy1pZ6aREbhTR5YBF2f-yr6tc/s800/20210720_174152.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpKjh5EUuj4JBePgV47K6N578YvwdOcMyb9_9aGFlrIKc8hmHHXYgPN1dkG_pRKNqR6XDTb-xnY7HgUNlaPYnfcf2Vule4iZYVwicGXDN4n30t4kujVCy1pZ6aREbhTR5YBF2f-yr6tc/w200-h139/20210720_174152.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>Ahhh I'm so excited I'm nervous!</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Lessen those "ooooh something new!!" jitters (whining, pacing, barking) by arriving with an appropriately tired doggo. I find this one simple and super helpful - especially the first couple of years. Keep the calmness flowing by being prepared to run, hike, go for a drive - whatever you and your dog love to do together that tuckers them out throughout your stay. Arya is a little quicker to arrive at "bored" so I bring a couple of toys that dust off easily and throw in some micro training sessions to break up the 'hanging out' portions of camping.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgh0G0iBL83kU1X6GQsxymKk7MJeWcD0X1sHFUWQzXhsC7mqdR0CwZVz_fZzElkMDSEvvJAz5Y2VTjWc-rAzILvjpmJJU9Ce05xSzpERCooS8yHUHrBuLmhWT_AsIfVNJ50ubssG7P2E/s2851/20210720_174049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2851" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgh0G0iBL83kU1X6GQsxymKk7MJeWcD0X1sHFUWQzXhsC7mqdR0CwZVz_fZzElkMDSEvvJAz5Y2VTjWc-rAzILvjpmJJU9Ce05xSzpERCooS8yHUHrBuLmhWT_AsIfVNJ50ubssG7P2E/w200-h159/20210720_174049.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFM3bowwsn7j5OZDmirSbcqgoMd6cQVaB6HFEmVoSmaPDxJsd6AgkhVWTvsy3SgcGVoDYAFAchwQq009YakFNmiy6xiIy0B6VQcrVRh0yTUxzB9HmkUuFiySXG433wVUUG7cl105z6zw/s2843/20210720_173952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="2843" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFM3bowwsn7j5OZDmirSbcqgoMd6cQVaB6HFEmVoSmaPDxJsd6AgkhVWTvsy3SgcGVoDYAFAchwQq009YakFNmiy6xiIy0B6VQcrVRh0yTUxzB9HmkUuFiySXG433wVUUG7cl105z6zw/w200-h151/20210720_173952.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Bring familiar gear</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Does your dog have an overnight bed, such as for visits to family homes or a regularly used crate? Favorite toy or chew? The girls settle in pretty fast and I attribute much of that to the familiarity I've added to their surroundings; they know what's going on and what's expected. Just don't bring anything that can't take a little dirt! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3ny7ynh8lC9Ov8_fSAbW_SnIkI7D7t-CD6aKmORhCaEVrN4yKmb9IOTyPifHBpDi5GlY2tdwdui_L4zGx_YwCrvd9rjeMZ8UGY470xW5A4y478S0GklIRnJ45HD-KJWXv610B6vG88g/s2197/20210720_174259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="2216" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOwcjX1bQLGGENU-gvYgJYIxmWvegMKuT8GOORDKXWiB7uRYVkvcEfwvLAX3KiHftxTyJERsUcbl3N5Q-fjQan7IT7PfANpFcTWvBFOMHIerMlf_jPGHJVWYBDIox5QvTpTMfEh3xrlU/w200-h169/20210720_174125.jpg" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="1746" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26kF9ZksSd5bW_9gGr7YWeTIRPErRUYp_6hJ1-r3ozwclVIKrMYx2uQegyB6cBZElTHcwucdc1uHHaxUyzZiCvQArUe6uU7rKHihjapErS0QAx3oivFk9nEpoYKWQ4V9SafjHzj7C89o/w200-h197/20210720_174259.jpg" width="200" /></span><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Consider your containment options</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Generally, dogs are required to be restrained at campgrounds and I spent many years assuming that was by leash/tie out. Only after seeing what others were doing to contain their dogs did I realize that's not the case (at least where we've stayed). For us, clipping together a few exercise pens was a game changer. Immediately, the issues with knocking over bowls, tangling around each other and equipment, and eliminating the cause of some of the defensive barking (from being restrained) made camping more enjoyable for everyone. We're lucky that our two take the pens for what they are and don't test them but I fully recognize this may not work for others - just know that tying your dog to the picnic bench isn't the only option (but if it happens to work best for you/your dog - please use a harness!). You can also buy or make an elevated runner system like <a href="https://ruffwear.com/collections/camping-gear-for-dogs/products/knot-a-hitch" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">this one</span></a>. Finally, if your dog is accustomed to a crate, bring one with you as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS_4W_yF182mUwJX06JX5w80PKAOt4vRaZmqzUNDhUE8f6oJCytp-rNpG-S2XOsc4qwLe9bWrp_MP-p5bW_pd4KaBDGm4GERtdgBdN5BhnrMsv0Tvdk4S_te9INze7oF5v_vbutllXRI/s3460/20210720_174032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="3460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS_4W_yF182mUwJX06JX5w80PKAOt4vRaZmqzUNDhUE8f6oJCytp-rNpG-S2XOsc4qwLe9bWrp_MP-p5bW_pd4KaBDGm4GERtdgBdN5BhnrMsv0Tvdk4S_te9INze7oF5v_vbutllXRI/s320/20210720_174032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>A little tough to see but last week's layout included the two pen ends<br />terminating with one on each side of the back door to the car so the girls could go in and out - <br />since we spend a good deal of time in there, it is often their relaxation place of choice. <br />Working with their needs makes them happier and better behaved!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><b>5. Go overboard! </b></div><div>Admittedly, no flashy one-liner for my last strategy but I strongly recommend making a conscious effort to lay on the treats and all that good stuff. Scattering kibble, doing a loop around the campground, and extra doggy massages by the fire are all little gestures that go a long way towards ensuring our dogs are as engaged and happy with <i>our</i> recreation of choice as we are. (And a lot less wearisome for us than telling them to 'shush' or 'just lay down' frequently). The girls are naturally bark-y and it brings them great joy when it rains Kix cereal every time I see they've quietly noticed something worth barking at (so this one is a win-win, as it makes us better site neighbors too!). </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTtgcZvbxYxJb6OgO5RjFhVtOajj-lpO1onQxgzC8U-R-pQzRV_fp-dHWHgQGlykOZEyi1nuyB7FOsUKeVyHUAnXoGmWv9DtD4NcjHMrYcofSH-bojudE0l0iSVbQclPYQhPrFLpfx9s/s3605/20210720_174208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTtgcZvbxYxJb6OgO5RjFhVtOajj-lpO1onQxgzC8U-R-pQzRV_fp-dHWHgQGlykOZEyi1nuyB7FOsUKeVyHUAnXoGmWv9DtD4NcjHMrYcofSH-bojudE0l0iSVbQclPYQhPrFLpfx9s/s320/20210720_174208.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>Princess and the pea</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AX77pE-UFfHR6SGYinIczgT7XC7KaxVwHEs-EaIwx9tfDo7fHXstgi_fcrAQCs6Mgi78k0JALmTwXHcRX9sc_xsQTTjbQctLjvPAQXg-1jHuyQ_spJWlAwLS27SPOwk4A_dQ3i1gdgo/s2979/20210720_173859.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1910" data-original-width="2979" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AX77pE-UFfHR6SGYinIczgT7XC7KaxVwHEs-EaIwx9tfDo7fHXstgi_fcrAQCs6Mgi78k0JALmTwXHcRX9sc_xsQTTjbQctLjvPAQXg-1jHuyQ_spJWlAwLS27SPOwk4A_dQ3i1gdgo/s320/20210720_173859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>At home, they usually take their chews outside so <br />hides make a naturally good camp snack!</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Hopefully you found my list useful or the items sparked new ideas! They've never failed me and our experiences continue to be smoother each time as we finesse the details!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vkFSbWuRXZfsNeM8iaESuaSDi-8xN-Tum6uTOi-gnkLxjzCufKnx_PM5GYXXk02RkQl68HPi-nNHVuQGxzbcRpYL_e2LNLzddQlMHIseInr0CGLiO2cd1IFCWt-nxjYuCJkHePa-ZqI/s3552/20210720_173925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2131" data-original-width="3552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vkFSbWuRXZfsNeM8iaESuaSDi-8xN-Tum6uTOi-gnkLxjzCufKnx_PM5GYXXk02RkQl68HPi-nNHVuQGxzbcRpYL_e2LNLzddQlMHIseInr0CGLiO2cd1IFCWt-nxjYuCJkHePa-ZqI/s320/20210720_173925.jpg" width="320" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx7HXgWkgmsF9sfyuM8fH3XQEDf7s-TVPmyP0uTu6LTGjAepqRKAsVuXLwidyXosuQknucUSNkaSnEV7Qidn1eNHWvOCtJEV9UojmR11keAlGOFl2A32k2ss4bq_A_4QDVkdorkpIcBs/s1995/20210720_174008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx7HXgWkgmsF9sfyuM8fH3XQEDf7s-TVPmyP0uTu6LTGjAepqRKAsVuXLwidyXosuQknucUSNkaSnEV7Qidn1eNHWvOCtJEV9UojmR11keAlGOFl2A32k2ss4bq_A_4QDVkdorkpIcBs/s320/20210720_174008.jpg" /></a></div><span>Taking turns on watch</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-73247435525164398872021-07-14T13:40:00.015-04:002022-06-09T11:10:33.493-04:00Avoiding the crowds on Gunstock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z9bAaLRO1YDhj7PfmzG28cwHO3EBe1dvmeIvtZIC6R1PMCELh78CW3YNdOlloWxl00RkCkSLPJEMbY2H9dwZSL1YYhV4gWfm_xnUu0YQ4OXlYdryCyaJMJ77mzXXryC4d1EfXoP0Cf4/s3078/20210712_191342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="3078" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z9bAaLRO1YDhj7PfmzG28cwHO3EBe1dvmeIvtZIC6R1PMCELh78CW3YNdOlloWxl00RkCkSLPJEMbY2H9dwZSL1YYhV4gWfm_xnUu0YQ4OXlYdryCyaJMJ77mzXXryC4d1EfXoP0Cf4/w640-h402/20210712_191342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">We recently had the great fortune to take a weekday hike with our friends, beginning under cloud covered skies and ending with sunshine, summiting Rowe and Gunstock in Gilford. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Route: </i>(loosely) Access Rd to Rowe summit (1680') - Belknap Range Trail - Access Rd/ski trails - Gunstock summit (2244'), Access roads/ski trails to the base.<br /><i>Mileage:</i> appx 4.3 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Favorite features: </i>great footing, variety of open meadow and wooded environments, blueberry bushes, ledgey ridge walking without the crowds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another not-so-precise trip report! From the parking lot for the ski area, follow the road that skirts behind the main building, towards the playground and take a left - up the hill. Here begins the unpaved access road that we took all the way to the summit of Rowe. It begins fairly steep but easily navigable, even for clumsy feet, over gravel and packed earth. There are bypasses that go through the woods but we opted to stick with the road. It's a nice treat to be able to talk with your hiking companion without having to crane your neck back or have your doggo on a long line without constantly untangling yourself from trees! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyxcYYHU1m6GlAlT1WUhNEC_pbtaCpPdtdqDQDZ-_bsjDgOeGfg2HwmdYqCeqUwfUsOSvAMAJZx0bcmDhdcWE2iukCLFGG4K84m19tdo713qREWzkk-KHsGAa4NZZsjaXBu4BNJMk9UQ/s3407/20210712_133706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyxcYYHU1m6GlAlT1WUhNEC_pbtaCpPdtdqDQDZ-_bsjDgOeGfg2HwmdYqCeqUwfUsOSvAMAJZx0bcmDhdcWE2iukCLFGG4K84m19tdo713qREWzkk-KHsGAa4NZZsjaXBu4BNJMk9UQ/s320/20210712_133706.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvRNmeMH6icYEtSa2UYtx-udp3wvS1fks_Dr9eyNWIY-F9GAygXQEcsT7dxhWWRX_wkh6zQzUEBfUfzQZKz6oOKknQkRismSK18g4yhBRQFid4iMBaNfq4ngT83_2lmyD3JdRUKtlRPQ/s3288/20210712_135413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3288" data-original-width="2234" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvRNmeMH6icYEtSa2UYtx-udp3wvS1fks_Dr9eyNWIY-F9GAygXQEcsT7dxhWWRX_wkh6zQzUEBfUfzQZKz6oOKknQkRismSK18g4yhBRQFid4iMBaNfq4ngT83_2lmyD3JdRUKtlRPQ/w136-h200/20210712_135413.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The summit of Rowe has some cell tower equipment but is otherwise, no offense Rowe, unremarkable. However, upon re-entering the woods (watch for the post and blazing), we began a pretty, low ridge walk that eventually opened onto blueberry ledges. They were perfectly ripe and it was very difficult to avoid lingering! After some nice views of our target summit and the lake, we re-entered the woods but again, were repeatedly treated to blueberries and smooth ledge walking surfaces.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0hWoExGpYziUWIqx-C2K3vXtEF1YwlImClMP0qEPtZPt-rr66vBV5N4e55FmCu4HupPl8kfx088PJDL5h1e4sFAFgsvfh9lG1ZO4UrZg5hFovl-ROst9p_FSCHfSFGijuuWEpVDqC9U/s3719/20210712_142331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="3719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0hWoExGpYziUWIqx-C2K3vXtEF1YwlImClMP0qEPtZPt-rr66vBV5N4e55FmCu4HupPl8kfx088PJDL5h1e4sFAFgsvfh9lG1ZO4UrZg5hFovl-ROst9p_FSCHfSFGijuuWEpVDqC9U/s320/20210712_142331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYHc1PXooGgGyZH9y1ciW2hWkPiFUpP7-dFONe33NBCXihzMhXWitdZD90GX8Jjf2D3_CjjpUQUWxio3VVznZGDkm_33MRJe-yRnNQ3qDZzu_kDyMlJ3BlzvVn99R7pLIvqLjVfm4Hws/s3382/20210712_142711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3382" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYHc1PXooGgGyZH9y1ciW2hWkPiFUpP7-dFONe33NBCXihzMhXWitdZD90GX8Jjf2D3_CjjpUQUWxio3VVznZGDkm_33MRJe-yRnNQ3qDZzu_kDyMlJ3BlzvVn99R7pLIvqLjVfm4Hws/w134-h200/20210712_142711.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTorjKMDabh906mfpeGTA3g5rLFkYk-dvAreJ3eTNTLPm0FJ0CsYTxIHTsmbuX3TKkmFn5N7J6rbRCj_mbmoEDxzeIaCe4ddQEaJpyKsig3LmX_0OjQ7NkSU6U0UzRdpoz1xEZ-jMbLE/s3235/20210712_182728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3235" data-original-width="2105" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTorjKMDabh906mfpeGTA3g5rLFkYk-dvAreJ3eTNTLPm0FJ0CsYTxIHTsmbuX3TKkmFn5N7J6rbRCj_mbmoEDxzeIaCe4ddQEaJpyKsig3LmX_0OjQ7NkSU6U0UzRdpoz1xEZ-jMbLE/w130-h200/20210712_182728.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually - probably earlier than intended by trail managers - we popped out onto the ski trails, which we took for the remainder of the hike. We were lucky and some of the water bars had just enough to re-hydrate the dogs. This is a brutal section under sunny skies but we were protected by the clouds this time. As the chair lifts come into sight, the grade steepens and the thought "oh yeah, 'up!'" comes to mind. To be sure, there are short breaks in the grade that are just as appreciated going up on foot as they are for novice skiers like me going down! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp27n5cwrNOnYsP92gncjw5nc9nZ5zYcjaXRUPQTlTFrNnmNeUGHD2BaxDWmwUhJVpE3I0B3NdtZ2tIO6GmzJAHiZuNZeK_dvn_KVLfzV1duK9k-E1Fd_dkOTdpdwnS4soGAGBgVRIUY/s2559/20210712_151359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="2559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp27n5cwrNOnYsP92gncjw5nc9nZ5zYcjaXRUPQTlTFrNnmNeUGHD2BaxDWmwUhJVpE3I0B3NdtZ2tIO6GmzJAHiZuNZeK_dvn_KVLfzV1duK9k-E1Fd_dkOTdpdwnS4soGAGBgVRIUY/s320/20210712_151359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We bailed shortly before the lodge, following the road around to the right and stopping for a snack, before opting to head down the ski trail in front of us (looking down the mountain - left of the one we took up). It looks like we followed the dotted blue line on the map below but I can't be certain. This one was a little less gravel road and a little more meadow-y. The upper 2/3 or so are mostly packed dirt and grass with some slick ledgy rocks - and narrower than the trail up. We noticed flagging in a couple of places that indicated small footpaths that led back to the wooded trail. Eventually, Hannah noticed the large sign to the left that notifies hiker of the Belknap Range trail system but we decided to stick with the pretty, open meadow walk with the lake views that eventually curved around to the access road to finish our descent to the base - further center and closer to the parking lot than where we embarked from. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlRHG5ies5KcJk97QsiH-dU1-qf83907qmvV0w01KqoqtAQvHeMaqJ54HpkiwAMtDAbnn7O_K9R0qwP7GUQnO84ZQYLjyDCh9z8xrvMUXNuIkOwGuZtwjQT37D-CDU961WcnmJWIomYo/s3047/20210712_153012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="3047" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlRHG5ies5KcJk97QsiH-dU1-qf83907qmvV0w01KqoqtAQvHeMaqJ54HpkiwAMtDAbnn7O_K9R0qwP7GUQnO84ZQYLjyDCh9z8xrvMUXNuIkOwGuZtwjQT37D-CDU961WcnmJWIomYo/w200-h138/20210712_153012.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4sBnnH_J9JA-oaA34uUuaD8Uf4sAniKFX30r8svc2ZOUtnX9TZC1_Tn2kCZ-RbuH9xdO5wWklXcleNIfqdXbsTfk8IQebskM0oJC9W72dyifDjyhYqGDzS339fH6Hdr_nTKBzrDrBww/s3271/20210712_154619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3271" data-original-width="2032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4sBnnH_J9JA-oaA34uUuaD8Uf4sAniKFX30r8svc2ZOUtnX9TZC1_Tn2kCZ-RbuH9xdO5wWklXcleNIfqdXbsTfk8IQebskM0oJC9W72dyifDjyhYqGDzS339fH6Hdr_nTKBzrDrBww/w124-h200/20210712_154619.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4Y8jV_bX-um7nvE-K1MFKX2q__GIcfLhPNkynAc-JjAO3hOjaFWhHQQFRpTubCstGNaU8lFAVxsAYpLEBEjTX0YkSYbnT7csytdhKXAUHVBTLG3lng6j-fb2rYN02uRwtsZB9lL2biE/s2373/20210713_195623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2373" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4Y8jV_bX-um7nvE-K1MFKX2q__GIcfLhPNkynAc-JjAO3hOjaFWhHQQFRpTubCstGNaU8lFAVxsAYpLEBEjTX0YkSYbnT7csytdhKXAUHVBTLG3lng6j-fb2rYN02uRwtsZB9lL2biE/w400-h246/20210713_195623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was the perfect afternoon hike for our crew! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H4AbUidW2Tvpsj61cGamSeCPOfMlPrgKts-dHHZCaihON98-zB7B3hb4ftRcTZy7OdxVf1CWIQWdHFHIkN_pV2GKLwNBzj2dtPC7OpZCIv4t2vm7PjXpIQpAL6UP0_joePazjm9GddM/s4032/20210712_161311_051_saved.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H4AbUidW2Tvpsj61cGamSeCPOfMlPrgKts-dHHZCaihON98-zB7B3hb4ftRcTZy7OdxVf1CWIQWdHFHIkN_pV2GKLwNBzj2dtPC7OpZCIv4t2vm7PjXpIQpAL6UP0_joePazjm9GddM/s320/20210712_161311_051_saved.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Summary and thoughts:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoqk4s3e-gOEd7ZFqfkB9DmGXf6QzMeUcUs-DvmV3wQm5eIThBJxMru5THDHjmVRCYunFai1F7jOZuZw7r0iyLbWRLoCnNju79qFCJpXTBhXi3vf0v5XYOJcpcE3WSvj3_53sJfm0GKY/s3176/20210712_163526.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3176" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoqk4s3e-gOEd7ZFqfkB9DmGXf6QzMeUcUs-DvmV3wQm5eIThBJxMru5THDHjmVRCYunFai1F7jOZuZw7r0iyLbWRLoCnNju79qFCJpXTBhXi3vf0v5XYOJcpcE3WSvj3_53sJfm0GKY/s320/20210712_163526.jpg" /></a></div>I love this hike; the Belknaps in general are a go-to that I best not take for granted. While Gunstock is open for summer activities, it was easy enough to skirt around the families and head straight up. While I have been caught off guard by the number of other hikers encountered on a couple of occassions (still single digits), we passed exactly zero others today (not counting the handful of folks at the summit, many of whom took the chair lift, who we never interacted with). Bonus feature: there are many other trails that start from Gunstock, allowing for on the fly target modifications, if needed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The footing, even when damp as it was on Monday (and why we sought a hike with good footing), is as good as it gets for a hike in NH with elevation changes. While the beginning of Rowe and summit of Gunstock are steep, they're not Tuckerman steep and could be compared to the Mt. Major Trail on its namesake trail (without the ledges) or Hedgehog. I'd say this hike is one of the best as far as consistently good footing goes - while the gravel can be a little loose, there's no rocky sections, no scrambles, nothing my arthritic dogs can't do comfortably - and while I deeply miss Caps Ridge, it just doesn't get any better than Rowe/Gunstock these days. The fact that there's some choice in when to pop on and off the wooded and ski trails is also nice, allowing us to be flexible without changing the overall plan - it all meets back together. Whether it's to be able to make a quick bail or simply switch up the scenery, that's a feature I've come to love in a hike!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Online resources: </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Belknap Range Trail Tenders: https://belknaprangetrails.org/belknap-range-trail-map/</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gunstock trail map: https://www.gunstock.com/upload/photos/page_111_hiking-trail_map-8.5x11-compressed.pdf</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-55383407700937703642021-07-04T09:56:00.007-04:002021-07-04T15:41:04.190-04:00Rambling in Blue Job State Forest <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HIG8XXiY3hDbWyZ4ZZ7oKexcCe7w7jhQK9uDR4eH_dncvAItjpECijJu_MJBNElOO-Lu0BV0BKOuTHbO_yRdMMCfS78F3vyvleiOlaarM3-QMJGasQNmdHSYbzSkIDw_Zcj2ENBaoYI/s4032/20210703_122109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HIG8XXiY3hDbWyZ4ZZ7oKexcCe7w7jhQK9uDR4eH_dncvAItjpECijJu_MJBNElOO-Lu0BV0BKOuTHbO_yRdMMCfS78F3vyvleiOlaarM3-QMJGasQNmdHSYbzSkIDw_Zcj2ENBaoYI/w400-h225/20210703_122109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Blue Job (1356') is a well-loved and unbeatable "bang for your buck" small hike straddling Farmington and Strafford, NH. The most popular loop covers Blue Job, with its climbable fire tower, and the ledgey, open Little Blue Job, with its distant but lovely view of the White Mountains.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha68g-5hZhY4t67YxQMBKh1BOWFm6LVcfX54b5lGqLaNvm4YlP9Mv5dIA0ZLZoJXRUJN7HgzzB95UJUzTKx4Ciw29udYkt-72a2vj11sO1cHrbk9JfDKKEKIp4FNuPlVuvXBlcuPL7CZ8/s2589/20210703_121031.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1891" data-original-width="2589" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha68g-5hZhY4t67YxQMBKh1BOWFm6LVcfX54b5lGqLaNvm4YlP9Mv5dIA0ZLZoJXRUJN7HgzzB95UJUzTKx4Ciw29udYkt-72a2vj11sO1cHrbk9JfDKKEKIp4FNuPlVuvXBlcuPL7CZ8/w200-h146/20210703_121031.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Setting the scene:</b></i> 54,* rainy kickoff to the Fourth of July weekend <br /><i><b>Route:</b></i> Left onto the Fire Tower Loop to the summit - backtrack down to Little Blue Job Trail to the pond (no summit today). Pond Trail - Blue Job summit - northern arm of Fire Tower Loop back to the lot (right, if facing the sign at the summit). <br /><i><b>Miles:</b></i> appx. 2.5<br /><i><b>Duration:</b></i> 1.5 hours<br /><i><b>Max elevation gain:</b></i> appx 400'</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Favorite features:</b> </i>Blueberries (very close to ready 7/3/21!), mountain pond, environment of Little Blue Job with its open ledge + stone walls + dusty summit paths.</div><p></p><p><i><b>Description:</b> </i>The hike overall is a very pleasant and easy one. There are still ascents to be had but for context, Blue Job is similar to the hikes around Pawtuckaway and Agamenticus. Terrain is generally packed dirt, though there are heavily eroded sections with lots of roots and some looser gravel on Little Blue Job. Closer to each summit are ledgey sections of smooth, exposed rock. At no point would I consider the described sections of trails rocky or steep. Part of the northern section of the Fire Tower Loop is even an old, crumbling asphalt road. There's a bunch of super helpful descriptions out there so mine will mostly be in picture format :) </p><p><b><i><u>Section breakdown</u></i></b></p><p><i>Fire Tower Loop (taking a left from the lot) to the junction with Little Blue Job Trail: </i>easy through open woods, usually a brook for the doggos (dry in 7/21, even with the rain).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1732h9IosPWGuj00qYlMGMRmJV2CVCFIWIlEwb8ehxbSUAphkHzCRQYL_k3R3YCVAMTGTRWcj5Dy2S8eTggPl3ZMmxsOHLtDOylmqc3Vpyy3nK_q82f4rp2C8bm0GzhmbcbSY5UYRC0/s3247/20210703_123353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3247" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1732h9IosPWGuj00qYlMGMRmJV2CVCFIWIlEwb8ehxbSUAphkHzCRQYL_k3R3YCVAMTGTRWcj5Dy2S8eTggPl3ZMmxsOHLtDOylmqc3Vpyy3nK_q82f4rp2C8bm0GzhmbcbSY5UYRC0/w140-h200/20210703_123353.jpg" width="140" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfLvNnJgl0s1NMkM36KM6QIrLdQ2taBkZ1dS2mSDFmMgfLQBR39NnVhuJzFb27S-jFu8GFd-jdKiZsnal8XoN6m6ldi2c29DufYpm0yFDT5QbK0LM4Qqk6yc4bed86-8xtH5QkG5bzYI/s3101/20210703_111815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3101" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfLvNnJgl0s1NMkM36KM6QIrLdQ2taBkZ1dS2mSDFmMgfLQBR39NnVhuJzFb27S-jFu8GFd-jdKiZsnal8XoN6m6ldi2c29DufYpm0yFDT5QbK0LM4Qqk6yc4bed86-8xtH5QkG5bzYI/w146-h200/20210703_111815.jpg" width="146" /></a><br /></div><p><i>Fire Tower Loop to summit: </i>Mostly wide trail that weaves up the mountain past a couple of blocked, private trails and blueberry bushes. Brook in non-summer months towards the bottom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdttoXIPJ4q352jZCmjTO8s_SGwYvS5MLdbk9D-R1f7wLu6-knfVO3qc0UWecQGWuIvuQevuv_psAPmhzekFz2jv9iYv5-L0428l0N5jLxw0ArOdFXcq_fe3nTbgjeIk_HpMytTpPNzk/s3261/20210703_112532%25280%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3261" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdttoXIPJ4q352jZCmjTO8s_SGwYvS5MLdbk9D-R1f7wLu6-knfVO3qc0UWecQGWuIvuQevuv_psAPmhzekFz2jv9iYv5-L0428l0N5jLxw0ArOdFXcq_fe3nTbgjeIk_HpMytTpPNzk/w139-h200/20210703_112532%25280%2529.jpg" width="139" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyys_qEESyfENqUE99HAT0QoDAKXWMD6vBLCiu-hXgRaz99KcHWS2jIXySqqqEggeeJ0NSkAMsmEUVCdsdOPlJctqa3bwiyU5ku9AErwB_oxApflNcDIyaADNXN9OWkD2-_G2pZPPiH0/s2894/20210703_112844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2894" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyys_qEESyfENqUE99HAT0QoDAKXWMD6vBLCiu-hXgRaz99KcHWS2jIXySqqqEggeeJ0NSkAMsmEUVCdsdOPlJctqa3bwiyU5ku9AErwB_oxApflNcDIyaADNXN9OWkD2-_G2pZPPiH0/w157-h200/20210703_112844.jpg" width="157" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s9CAZbhNqdQetk8Tx71Dvz2KlNQuhLj9tu6UxPMirjrObubttRORzDg23ppnZi2406e5y99noCYRbAAGlK7Bfui2bbvprc6K5ZkpPFyl0Iwj86656bQ0W6_ODAJTFiOemKrRUY8az7I/s3288/20210703_113156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3288" data-original-width="2167" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s9CAZbhNqdQetk8Tx71Dvz2KlNQuhLj9tu6UxPMirjrObubttRORzDg23ppnZi2406e5y99noCYRbAAGlK7Bfui2bbvprc6K5ZkpPFyl0Iwj86656bQ0W6_ODAJTFiOemKrRUY8az7I/w132-h200/20210703_113156.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqeJuUotEc-U-k49RFSrqHwp_IOb1bP9sFbPvm-K_BXLI14HW2IBou9QPh8SLgiEKOzFX7xgVvFtXbB9vpLIZ_4dxOw7KhiKqPIqfctnqajSjuV6jbgN8MRpWCcS6QIfo9RMOF-pX_xM/s3392/20210703_113518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3392" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqeJuUotEc-U-k49RFSrqHwp_IOb1bP9sFbPvm-K_BXLI14HW2IBou9QPh8SLgiEKOzFX7xgVvFtXbB9vpLIZ_4dxOw7KhiKqPIqfctnqajSjuV6jbgN8MRpWCcS6QIfo9RMOF-pX_xM/w134-h200/20210703_113518.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p8yP9Z1NtcvvMjcXUJk-fIA8g6jQnwhvjLQSoLI000d8dpq0k2fvj1lGMdEXaVFJUXmf9kTf-MQ1UrDRMyqdxFePW4VmbXarI1kESCmy6FoMuEMTWEKOJghVn9R-SDcZ_TGpNkgo4XA/s3771/20210703_113630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="2121" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p8yP9Z1NtcvvMjcXUJk-fIA8g6jQnwhvjLQSoLI000d8dpq0k2fvj1lGMdEXaVFJUXmf9kTf-MQ1UrDRMyqdxFePW4VmbXarI1kESCmy6FoMuEMTWEKOJghVn9R-SDcZ_TGpNkgo4XA/w113-h200/20210703_113630.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><p><i>Little Blue Job to Pond Trail: </i>Largely flat or rolling trail through open woods. One large, fairly recent blowdown. Fun pond and unofficial trail around it, as well as many herd paths that cut up the side of Little Blue Job and meet back with the main trail.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZjarOWc7oXbJM_K3Pvt_7gOzDqVU5RnD0liH4FtPBMW81chuRY2HgLMct-GUb9MuRaS0Iw3df5gqa3w6Ma4zitLcozoC3DpMAnjaoR7WSP6u85toR778BUMOipTOxneQpEpknlsgC9w/s3004/20210703_115919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZjarOWc7oXbJM_K3Pvt_7gOzDqVU5RnD0liH4FtPBMW81chuRY2HgLMct-GUb9MuRaS0Iw3df5gqa3w6Ma4zitLcozoC3DpMAnjaoR7WSP6u85toR778BUMOipTOxneQpEpknlsgC9w/w151-h200/20210703_115919.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV473OH0h-lbM8hDFjIGECZmtFGZQjOgYEEnStO0606jMMuhLgT3ydveaEopcdtX8067DWOLOcSt2Q7sxCrKueaY7uxVC9KMW5W2tjPZKOJVMfPKAn0qH8A5KkMRyCRSPPP9qbNYAl08/s3112/20210703_120143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3112" data-original-width="2259" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV473OH0h-lbM8hDFjIGECZmtFGZQjOgYEEnStO0606jMMuhLgT3ydveaEopcdtX8067DWOLOcSt2Q7sxCrKueaY7uxVC9KMW5W2tjPZKOJVMfPKAn0qH8A5KkMRyCRSPPP9qbNYAl08/w145-h200/20210703_120143.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxiXLCM7_chfR_98K8mZcVWjusJ1Ured65TMDUjDqwq-w1q5O_nNWYreMYAM3TQ7rjZCxkFaV1JpV0k2az21kHNfYtHbJ80iZgOCBrLNiBlamyydZoPLdSrEBQYgw_1EQFBaTqNR7_Cs/s3533/20210703_120235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3533" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxiXLCM7_chfR_98K8mZcVWjusJ1Ured65TMDUjDqwq-w1q5O_nNWYreMYAM3TQ7rjZCxkFaV1JpV0k2az21kHNfYtHbJ80iZgOCBrLNiBlamyydZoPLdSrEBQYgw_1EQFBaTqNR7_Cs/w128-h200/20210703_120235.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG9kvXz_6_qmadauXt66lWdIemQUCKirbx2IT2cjrfp9bZIk-SsmHc94ORF7bcUw37zzo9bION7UbrQqYVUUa8qmIDItz8Zi9dUdmR5GHUi16qVHWf-9JOt9cCo1R9g-C4eUh5oqaKAA/s4032/20210703_120652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG9kvXz_6_qmadauXt66lWdIemQUCKirbx2IT2cjrfp9bZIk-SsmHc94ORF7bcUw37zzo9bION7UbrQqYVUUa8qmIDItz8Zi9dUdmR5GHUi16qVHWf-9JOt9cCo1R9g-C4eUh5oqaKAA/s320/20210703_120652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><i>Pond Trail to Blue Job Summit: </i>This section had the most terrain variety during today's meander. We went from smooth ledge to rolling dirt paths to some briefly steeper, exposed ledgy sections. (These get super icy in winter.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNxjCHtR9CbJdh7nRfu_a8kTWcUPCudbaMO_UvlePwaGvHSub2Hz58PXkhgMcsGoAhLJWKPETqZh1m9UTBXEA48P88lQChHVTeHHXDz4EkoDaPW9eAHV6adsW3Cqt93h7aYF_SMH1jWg/s4032/20210703_120844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNxjCHtR9CbJdh7nRfu_a8kTWcUPCudbaMO_UvlePwaGvHSub2Hz58PXkhgMcsGoAhLJWKPETqZh1m9UTBXEA48P88lQChHVTeHHXDz4EkoDaPW9eAHV6adsW3Cqt93h7aYF_SMH1jWg/s320/20210703_120844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MHgF2fC5cxchS3npMW13a-dooTEo3fUZ0Bq4a8z5vqvEZ3KASYjjwv66rkA6gadDaLZ23a6vz8eA5yKWvLyLbNn3bW4Qboaam-2zVcOvMoMzAr4Hb0eLwaUS4MjhBkpBucRkQf8SiYw/s4032/20210703_120951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MHgF2fC5cxchS3npMW13a-dooTEo3fUZ0Bq4a8z5vqvEZ3KASYjjwv66rkA6gadDaLZ23a6vz8eA5yKWvLyLbNn3bW4Qboaam-2zVcOvMoMzAr4Hb0eLwaUS4MjhBkpBucRkQf8SiYw/w113-h200/20210703_120951.jpg" width="113" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvKfjzbVMq6wj4IUqqaw3qIYUC4nhpz_5TAGPpHpVsV-coK-1BexdTZrWolw0DbvijwXLvQp9jVpDKxlMahTy9L_IdKT5QudMuYauvaeOoG0Jvl7kNrKpBTRL_FKI99DCE-rDCSMuyCs/s4032/20210703_121201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvKfjzbVMq6wj4IUqqaw3qIYUC4nhpz_5TAGPpHpVsV-coK-1BexdTZrWolw0DbvijwXLvQp9jVpDKxlMahTy9L_IdKT5QudMuYauvaeOoG0Jvl7kNrKpBTRL_FKI99DCE-rDCSMuyCs/w113-h200/20210703_121201.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf1Z5Wu1DSHP5ikY5nd4yYSsdMiux_1GnzCy8TICBoThF03g4MTGLExxWpj28LfhZjcdjHFqvil8cJwXjpfVxI7aC0WFdtDIZDvgI0saTkkXbUOXrR1DafEwn9m042dnN-mLHMH70ids/s3119/20210703_121457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2230" data-original-width="3119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf1Z5Wu1DSHP5ikY5nd4yYSsdMiux_1GnzCy8TICBoThF03g4MTGLExxWpj28LfhZjcdjHFqvil8cJwXjpfVxI7aC0WFdtDIZDvgI0saTkkXbUOXrR1DafEwn9m042dnN-mLHMH70ids/s320/20210703_121457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaH3cGiHGHiyrqQCC_gOqn9ngI2lRKpeWYmjG9osiOASM-bCyY_xkYbnCLI8_qMb6xkRr4LIZyFgJjSbyJBGXrXNXIv-O54c8c0rzeACTTFryKR6taHJKZZvMHVHnPPeGEiKRbCfZhL4/s3006/20210703_121720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2057" data-original-width="3006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaH3cGiHGHiyrqQCC_gOqn9ngI2lRKpeWYmjG9osiOASM-bCyY_xkYbnCLI8_qMb6xkRr4LIZyFgJjSbyJBGXrXNXIv-O54c8c0rzeACTTFryKR6taHJKZZvMHVHnPPeGEiKRbCfZhL4/s320/20210703_121720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT26Qx_PtkFoxoyKb3HZXAIqjAJO08v72gS87GYpck58mOVoszqRYJ3snyzjsXytpy_2QNj7Q_ZMDzcpszQ7DS9KrCe-1_NPvwll_4RMFY5pZt1YMsu7rnsXNnTMg0jYmUaLHia9Dt7JI/s2921/20210703_121922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="2162" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT26Qx_PtkFoxoyKb3HZXAIqjAJO08v72gS87GYpck58mOVoszqRYJ3snyzjsXytpy_2QNj7Q_ZMDzcpszQ7DS9KrCe-1_NPvwll_4RMFY5pZt1YMsu7rnsXNnTMg0jYmUaLHia9Dt7JI/w148-h200/20210703_121922.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGpEej6dA8sD_dTdVlshjXMmvjcTOimRORL668_uaIxCdS0E8QYJJQpUdQScKL4UZw-n-QatAiF-8so2q6_GUh4jlUOxMHCxLv3n-7-SqL076DMLSnGKay7MqV4XJehEV9oG5-C0O-Wg/s2932/20210703_122052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGpEej6dA8sD_dTdVlshjXMmvjcTOimRORL668_uaIxCdS0E8QYJJQpUdQScKL4UZw-n-QatAiF-8so2q6_GUh4jlUOxMHCxLv3n-7-SqL076DMLSnGKay7MqV4XJehEV9oG5-C0O-Wg/w155-h200/20210703_122052.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRClTwNY4ZhuCF_AopTnO_t4MIi9J3SIA1eHMKg6T82-4DAX7DVbqeYFCQBg1nN66GO1QF3gyDDOBo930hKiILaTvW8nIRcj8JABOkjo_uk5NPq9ayDVB239rSG7_MepimON1WPxL-V4Y/s1991/20210703_120808.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="1761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRClTwNY4ZhuCF_AopTnO_t4MIi9J3SIA1eHMKg6T82-4DAX7DVbqeYFCQBg1nN66GO1QF3gyDDOBo930hKiILaTvW8nIRcj8JABOkjo_uk5NPq9ayDVB239rSG7_MepimON1WPxL-V4Y/s320/20210703_120808.jpg" /></a></div><i><b><u>Summary and notes:</u></b> </i>On paper, it might not look like much but you can get in a little elevation, great views, and wonderful variety at Blue Job. Everyone, from seasoned hiker dog Ty to less-outdoorsy friends, find Blue Job engaging and enjoyable year-round. It's understandable why it's so popular and that's why I tend to go at off-hours (and still tend to encounter up to a dozen fellow visitors), especially where Arya is doing so well with her training and I don't want to take a step backwards with too many dog-dog interactions on one hike. It's reasonably well marked, with off-limits trails being specified as such, but the numerous herd paths ascending Little Blue Job can throw off a new visitor - know that they all meet up where they should! After finally looking at a map while writing, I realized that some of the trails that didn't seem 'official' actually are, so it appears we have some more exploring to do! Someday, I'll report on those and the more standard loop over both peaks! (Although NHFH gives a great description of the latter <a href="http://www.nhfamilyhikes.com/hikes.php?hike=Blue%20Job%20Mountain&from=fth" target="_blank">here</a>.)<p></p><p><i>Map credit to the <a href="https://www.farmington.nh.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif566/f/uploads/blue_job_trail_map_3-2021.pdf" target="_blank">Town of Farmington</a></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnwd81vBqlBymsmgZNDvxK_htFakzBd1H-BR3NAXKQc0GfMskDmk7E1CbWeVWjg2lf5GfoucrQyxIPc_tz6NkiWFhD4jHPm4pzc5zDb_bhyv_0n63SCqPpl9ItIj0r60Sv6XtsQrRkf4/s2048/blue_job_trail_map_3-2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnwd81vBqlBymsmgZNDvxK_htFakzBd1H-BR3NAXKQc0GfMskDmk7E1CbWeVWjg2lf5GfoucrQyxIPc_tz6NkiWFhD4jHPm4pzc5zDb_bhyv_0n63SCqPpl9ItIj0r60Sv6XtsQrRkf4/w414-h640/blue_job_trail_map_3-2021.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-72390513277758633312021-05-30T15:35:00.007-04:002021-05-30T16:47:17.128-04:00We're Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1iL1vKu3fdpN88EOC_EZqOK3Q5iranpDHCHmf224JWlmakLLSS_47R2acKsGtEpJf7NZS7ImbESYJ7Hy61HWFjsK9EYhBaqmsv3VX0C3qkH2bWzeGyyPYX7lpOWsXewXxrXDmMK6w8/s2019/119218120_1007238606401828_6677038827728164739_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="2019" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1iL1vKu3fdpN88EOC_EZqOK3Q5iranpDHCHmf224JWlmakLLSS_47R2acKsGtEpJf7NZS7ImbESYJ7Hy61HWFjsK9EYhBaqmsv3VX0C3qkH2bWzeGyyPYX7lpOWsXewXxrXDmMK6w8/w400-h243/119218120_1007238606401828_6677038827728164739_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Hi there! I started this blog in 2015, hoping to provide helpful reports and insights for hikers like me who favor hitting the trails with their dogs. For me, that was Ty, the outdoor-oriented Carolina Dog mix, and Tango, the oxymoronically chill Aussie-Malamute-GSD-wolfer, who humored our craving for elevation. Hiking back then meant out of the house in the early light and returning in the evening. </p><p>By 2017, while my posts tapered off sharply, we continued hiking but mostly shorter, lower elevation hikes to accomodate Tango. On October 19, 2020, Tango's watch ended, thanks to a well-hidden and aggressive cancer along his spine. Unaware of the heartache that was a short way down the road, we started fostering a feisty young Carolina Dog in September and, surprise surprise, her status has changed to "foster fail." Tango treated her like a little sister, granting her leeway no other foster had been permitted, as if facilitating the transition we had no idea was underway. Her name is Arya, and yes, she'd rather behave like a beast than a lady! (Game of Thrones anyone??) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomrXj1R14eJGBFCHu3YBfGmEpQEkaDkk0g_K14uD3oK2Q0clxkl1aqB_EP4XFI55C4F_krhx7e-HE2Wg0F7foat7-bpxWsn5aamFqbS9FJreiae89JFe9k9iGEwZdAJnzFzKYgFVhcdI/s1790/183988661_1169462316846122_5987870322799675222_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="1134" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomrXj1R14eJGBFCHu3YBfGmEpQEkaDkk0g_K14uD3oK2Q0clxkl1aqB_EP4XFI55C4F_krhx7e-HE2Wg0F7foat7-bpxWsn5aamFqbS9FJreiae89JFe9k9iGEwZdAJnzFzKYgFVhcdI/w168-h265/183988661_1169462316846122_5987870322799675222_n.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>My hope is to restart this blog to track our journey and hopefully provide some entertainment, useful info, and maybe hope along the way to anyone who finds us. See, Arya is special in a lot of ways but some of the sucky ones are leash reactivity and elbow dysplasia. Suffice to say, these are not conditions that align well with the hiker lifestyle that she/we love so much. Blog pages and Facebook support groups have been great sources of encouragement for me and I'd love to pay that forward, if I can.<p></p><p>While I'm keeping our name as Paws on Peaks, expect to see more flat ventures and maybe even wheeled ones more so than grand "peakbagging" excursions. To that end, you can now find us on IG as @heathen_dingos_of_the_north, though activity is admittedly intermittent. I'm also hoping to post more about adventuring from the medical and behavioral perspectives, especially in the context of living and exploring the Seacoast (NH) and surrounding area. </p><p>Oh, and if you happen to have checked out our page in years past, Ty is still kicking my ass! She has spondylosis & some hearing and vision loss but none of these are too bad for her 12.5 years on this planet and hike days are still the highlight of her existence. Actually, this weekend marks 12 years since we first met <3 </p><p>Drop a note if there's any topics you want to see and let's get started! </p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqlqhOIA0jUS2eTZulTctMtebyl-L9QO35zFNOwtno7OZwcsPABC7nzTMYfWpL-508D7OXvEgOpxhO5ku4M0BpJ4oAJlIKVeH9j6Elt33K6ci-DfKmwuld-cEEsOY0pGo8j18oG_Fpp0/s2793/20210225_103309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2793" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqlqhOIA0jUS2eTZulTctMtebyl-L9QO35zFNOwtno7OZwcsPABC7nzTMYfWpL-508D7OXvEgOpxhO5ku4M0BpJ4oAJlIKVeH9j6Elt33K6ci-DfKmwuld-cEEsOY0pGo8j18oG_Fpp0/w222-h180/20210225_103309.jpg" width="222" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpWJoc9AaU_EkN0lYwHyq7i3qNi5DgUNfnaIB6JsZY6Se-g8d96uwxWzu975iXvIlYc-75tQ-d0u519oyvlRXEFULpGPtMoRgQhqbPYixR6VkFTNIvgDC4d_RfoK9zW2TFUjz_udARF0/s4032/20210519_143448.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpWJoc9AaU_EkN0lYwHyq7i3qNi5DgUNfnaIB6JsZY6Se-g8d96uwxWzu975iXvIlYc-75tQ-d0u519oyvlRXEFULpGPtMoRgQhqbPYixR6VkFTNIvgDC4d_RfoK9zW2TFUjz_udARF0/w317-h179/20210519_143448.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p></p><br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-21721903250412620002021-01-06T16:26:00.004-05:002021-01-11T10:41:36.310-05:00To my noblest goober<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt662UoHbXl8YgINnhEUEsb_YM-0SjkaMjjPjCRqewPhrtLrobHRsnmYAkbwEZDbPrfPLyQ4ZrSHjDv8HfZ3TR0EJWHkFrjfjZpjX96rrIR7E36gv8a25V80ahT4NxIhK2OaIZwvIfqxE/s279/tangoblogger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="220" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt662UoHbXl8YgINnhEUEsb_YM-0SjkaMjjPjCRqewPhrtLrobHRsnmYAkbwEZDbPrfPLyQ4ZrSHjDv8HfZ3TR0EJWHkFrjfjZpjX96rrIR7E36gv8a25V80ahT4NxIhK2OaIZwvIfqxE/w220-h279/tangoblogger.png" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span> <span> </span> </span>I<span> </span>won't say goodbye because I still feel you beside me. I won't hang up your collar because we have so many more places to go. And I still won't sign cards without your name alongside Ty's. But what I can do is say 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart and beyond, to you and to our family & friends for supporting us through your passage to the next world.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'm learning that I can grieve and grow at the same time, that peace and pain are not mutually exclusive. And I've learned, with piercing clarity, how truly fortunate we are. Tango was the best, most intrinsically good dog we'll ever share our lives with and I think it's going to feel like he's still with us in some way for quite awhile, hopefully. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span> </span>Since his passing, we've been beautifully overwhelmed by the ways our family & friends have found to celebrate Tango and how much love and support we've been shown. I truly have no words <3 </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-83178101438427448682019-12-12T09:23:00.001-05:002019-12-12T17:12:59.407-05:00Gear Review: Groundbird Gear Harness<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c9qb0STKYNtt2pMguQThGELDCCRCsF6g1xrOMEObWWl4AQfgjIo5WV5NHcTj22eWsWbMQczLgWihPB4aqDgCwi4cmvXzmVX_GLJS5rCcnjskJMxjwi7JdnSPHKnrueT4vM1HU_-wXpg/s1600/20191211_205711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c9qb0STKYNtt2pMguQThGELDCCRCsF6g1xrOMEObWWl4AQfgjIo5WV5NHcTj22eWsWbMQczLgWihPB4aqDgCwi4cmvXzmVX_GLJS5rCcnjskJMxjwi7JdnSPHKnrueT4vM1HU_-wXpg/s200/20191211_205711.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>We recently made another addition to our niche gear collection - Tango has a new <a href="https://www.groundbirdgear.com/" target="_blank">Groundbird Gear</a> harness! </b><br />
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<b>Groundbird Gear is a cottage shop specializing in tailor-made dog packs + harnesses and now camping quilts. They're especially popular for long distance hiker pups and dogs who don't fit the "traditional" sizes.</b></div>
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<b>While Tango is still kicking trail butt for a 12 year old, he's getting a little gimpy in the back end and prone to taking the less-than-easiest route when it comes to obstacles. He's generally fine on his own but with our rugged New England terrain, there's times when I want to support him up or down a trail hazard rather than watch him do the 'shaky-legs finish' after landing a jump. So I choose our hikes carefully and bring the old man. And a Solvit <a href="https://www.chewy.com/solvit-carelift-rear-portion-lifting/dp/53759" target="_blank">hip support </a>harness, <a href="https://mountaindogware.com/dog-carrying-harness-usa.html" target="_blank">Pack-a-Paw</a> rescue harness, and an assortment of pain relievers. People wonder why my pack is stuffed to the gills! </b></div>
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<b>With that context, it was clearly time to put health & safety over his disapproval for "clothing." I decided to talk to Marie at Groundbird Gear about their tailor-made harness as an alternative to linking our existing <a href="https://ruffwear.com/products/web-master-pro-harness" target="_blank">Web Master Pro</a> and hip harness together. Fast forward a few weeks because we know how that conversation ended!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D1qd8m78FuhDZdXA7rJ-WXB-KlmZRCwUTTAGABXCDOnGIj4_1ECB63UX-p60RF9oWb85b7YRZkyl6CdMh8mqG5gMGcmKVMEZ1KbrxCPBttciYXS7F7IMeX2zrcDW4IT8pI2R955cN9k/s1600/20191211_223509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D1qd8m78FuhDZdXA7rJ-WXB-KlmZRCwUTTAGABXCDOnGIj4_1ECB63UX-p60RF9oWb85b7YRZkyl6CdMh8mqG5gMGcmKVMEZ1KbrxCPBttciYXS7F7IMeX2zrcDW4IT8pI2R955cN9k/s400/20191211_223509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04ihu6eLABhrZpguOEImyqjnto_Qk_5TjpS_5FnGt4vN4IKMerTKmSgAMaX9KdchkROHPKyKygvCbCKXfs1ObhZC_H9nkJSNo9s-tcJlRRkwT0jzpGksrURG4jL8We4yyPaZ8OL10-0M/s1600/20191211_223452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a></div>
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<b>The harness fits so perfectly, it's like the GB team came up to New Hampshire and took the measurements themselves. I swear they looked at my numbers & the photos I sent and knew exactly how they should've read! </b></div>
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<b>And the ultimate approval: Tango doesn't try to bow out of the way when I approach him to get dressed. He moves freely in any situation and appears confident when receiving support, even when it's a quick, unexpected grab because he made a questionable choice like hopping onto a slippery boulder (making me super glad we made the investment - the fact that it's so comfortable and easy to put on means he's in it more than he would be in another brand, increasing the chances I have the ability to assist him). We're in the wrong season to test how he does with it in hot and/or humid weather but it should be far more comfortable than his other gear, even the lightweight hi-viz vest, being only 7oz of breathable fabric.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkMKERxz9BwVEQaLdF-N63WgrglBubeMbyCTrWyo5X8uotO9b84Me-A8-tpbNSWmc4yQsO-ysxV86wPU5to8j-0us1lKp6P9yGLbDFC3zpYX21WWWpjXW6aaql5_oQAZHrgO9SN2JExY/s1600/20191130_170308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkMKERxz9BwVEQaLdF-N63WgrglBubeMbyCTrWyo5X8uotO9b84Me-A8-tpbNSWmc4yQsO-ysxV86wPU5to8j-0us1lKp6P9yGLbDFC3zpYX21WWWpjXW6aaql5_oQAZHrgO9SN2JExY/s200/20191130_170308.jpg" width="146" /></b></a></div>
<b>The benefits of a custom GB harness (over our experience with other harnesses):</b></div>
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<b>- super breathable (Tango is pretty heat-sensitive for an Arkansas native)</b></div>
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<b>- buckle clips all around - most convenient for both of us when dressing and undressing</b></div>
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<b>- unrivaled fit, i.e. shoulder straps that don't inhibit shoulder motion & belly pad straps that don't ride up on armpits. I'm fortunate that Ruffwear fits both of my dogs pretty well but this harness is next level.</b></div>
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<b>- two handles - perpendicular, rather than the parallel style I like from Ruffwear, but well-suited to our needs</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt3zkYdzvdYx7l_P29AMECrC6nSiNHxvf2NuWPrgBsO3sBGBTFWW5EZ6KP8fogOb49-fVZ-GSGACg-qSg4-IDfjgfIyyiKxbzODvpZ32d7MvBs1TSsIokwiFN3mlBMGCLmrleAg1VRgQ/s200/20191211_205454.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That narrow chest strap tho!</span></td></tr>
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<b>Special features for Tango:</b></div>
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<b>- extra narrow chest strap with added flex for the dog that has no "gap"</b></div>
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<b>- a longer body to accommodate the primary support function of the harness</b></div>
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<b>- wide belly pad for extra comfortable support</b></div>
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<b>- D-ring at the back to connect a hip harness</b></div>
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<b>I also splurged on upgrading to the <a href="https://helpemup.com/product/harness-fronts-and-hip-lifts/" target="_blank">Help 'em Up</a> hip lift harness to complement the GB since it's Tango's lower back that I'm most focused on protecting. The Solvit works just fine but is heavier and a little clunkier overall. He doesn't wear it often but I think it should fit as comfortably as the rest of his gear. I've also added a short rope attachment so that I can continue to provide assistance when I can't be immediately behind him. Right now it's just something I had laying around that happens to work really well but I may MacGyver a new lead soon. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoziTR5SQ7lNP_WCTQNRJZLhyA4MOf3mzleCsVH9AldJpcEXPGxv7Rm4wCgKJt83i7abhX2f7Cbla0oClDDX80YT24jHpU8nvJYjzFFK5e3LfK4RUnQ2WaCSZArek5LUaTMUgtcxKNdQ/s400/20191211_205404.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable in motion and at rest</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQqHz2IB7WZ8h4rifdNf-XDdQUOz94pF3Y8Jn4k3sxr8hNgeI37MZrXS7LFISVJZZxYlQdu_s1_a2ofNSmjfY7726WWWrR8aXZrNeA2UdNmuDAsBIaqTFfplC2-q360_tMO_dl77myJw/s400/20191211_205826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Help'em Up hip lift harness</td></tr>
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<b>A final note on the GB harness: Groundbird Gear was exceedingly pleasant to work with. I had so many questions, over-thought every little aspect, and took weeks to order after initiating the conversation. Marie was patient, helpful, and showed how well she knows her craft from start to finish of the project. </b></div>
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<b>Now to the trails! </b></div>
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<i>Links are provided for convenience - no sponsorships or freebies associated with this post </i></div>
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-49178039809706962572019-11-24T09:27:00.003-05:002019-11-24T09:27:21.913-05:00Mt Roberts - Castle in the Clouds<div>
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<b>Location:</b> Castle in the Clouds, Ossipee Range, Moultonborough, NH</div>
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<b>Elevation, gain:</b> 2570 ft, 1350 ft gain</div>
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<b>Trail:</b> In and out via Mt Roberts Tr</div>
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<b>Distance:</b> 4.6 mi - 5.5 mi, depending on your source of info*</div>
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<b>Difficulty:</b> Moderate</div>
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<b>Hike duration:</b> 3 hours, including stops at vistas - easily a good trail running summit or introduction to hiking.</div>
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<b>Management agency:</b> Lakes Region Conservation Trust</div>
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<b>Parking:</b> Plenty of parking on the Castle in the Clouds property, some lots closer to the trailhead than others. *This is where I'm guessing the mileage discrepancy comes in. </div>
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<b>Summary: </b> Mt Roberts is one of my favorite underrated hikes and checks a lot of boxes for us. The terrain and distance is very Tango-friendly with gentle footing and elevation gains. But there's plenty of excitement for the wild one within its open hardwood forest, old stone walls, and ledges. It's closer than the Whites for us but I don't feel cheated out of a "real" hike - there's appreciable elevation gain, solitude from civilization, and beautiful views that we don't have to share with the hoards like on nearby Mt Major. Worth noting for owners of doggos like my Tybee is that we always hear distant gunshots on this one and there's always moose tracks near the summit. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has a kiosk packed with information and a donation box at the first parking lot. </div>
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The trail starts past the horse barn (moved home for the winter but otherwise a welcome site and yes, we've met them on the lower trails). I believe most of the trail follows an old carriage road - it's broad, climbs gently, and has excellent footing. <br />
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At about 1 mile is a short spur (was well-marked but the tree has fallen) to a view out to Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range.</div>
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Then begins the "climb." The elevation increase comes more steadily and steeper, though still moderate in my opinion for the grade and duration. Footing remains good, though a little rockier. On this day, this where I started seeing a few patches of ice. <br />
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One of my absolute favorite parts about Mt Roberts is the amount of time spent on open and partially open ledges, which begins after about another half mile. For the remainder of the hike, one gradually weaves in and out of the trees, encountering the only evergreens of the hike, and over gentle rock ledges, offering an array of views.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Left: looking up the ridge, right: looking back down from the top. Note the granite spine of the trail.</span><br />
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In the patches of woods, the ice became more prevalent and there's some hard, crunchy snow that seems to be sticking for the season. </div>
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The trail pops out on the summit loop, you can go either way to reach the summit but I found keeping right easier for orientating myself. For the descent, we continued on the loop - be sure to keep left and keep an eye out for the Mt Roberts Trail (signage below the actual junction).</div>
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<i>Summit:</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jn_GdWdjYe7iPjP7QLEzRXjo0rsBQUssNJOttR1KuLgpo5l_TI01jdiZz6RYtw3al0pnuSF2NZiQ0RPYwIovS8DgIUtV_IpScAupdSziFnvszD5Gqv82IPcSOyxsNScYl4Fa24Wj6w4/s1600/20191124_073540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jn_GdWdjYe7iPjP7QLEzRXjo0rsBQUssNJOttR1KuLgpo5l_TI01jdiZz6RYtw3al0pnuSF2NZiQ0RPYwIovS8DgIUtV_IpScAupdSziFnvszD5Gqv82IPcSOyxsNScYl4Fa24Wj6w4/s320/20191124_073540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it just me or is she looking directly at Mt Washington?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrYd8QrywTufMVualXqKrgSgExbgnIdUITPoRlTkI0giIfr1b7sqqmPH93zfKS_3yXTWwEJ6tINCxalUG7qNpg1clutPSufmPrkrJuIIUMmJtJOoN5_zbSIm7tZdNUY7o_Q0UuIQuXCs/s1600/20191124_073709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrYd8QrywTufMVualXqKrgSgExbgnIdUITPoRlTkI0giIfr1b7sqqmPH93zfKS_3yXTWwEJ6tINCxalUG7qNpg1clutPSufmPrkrJuIIUMmJtJOoN5_zbSIm7tZdNUY7o_Q0UuIQuXCs/s320/20191124_073709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's a wrap! Not much to report about the descent since it's via the same trail, though the views are that much more enjoyable since one is facing them!</div>
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Helpful sources:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lrct.org/explorelearn/places-to-visit/" target="_blank">Places to visit - LRCT</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nhfamilyhikes.com/hikes.php?hike=Mt.%20Roberts" target="_blank">NH Family Hikes</a></div>
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<a href="https://hikingandfishing.com/mount-roberts-nh/" target="_blank">Hiking and Fishing</a> </div>
pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-66780561838365902982019-08-31T21:30:00.000-04:002019-08-31T21:58:16.662-04:00Pack-a-Paw Rescue Harness Review<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFccucid3zV0ms9a-bGMtMb0WslbFgE2e0-8QBz8S7MiR1TftjV10x9yp59wEmVy8bcfIFPb7n0XUNkg4neTGXgqqsjZU6oal9JDli1ySc8Ter6B-pbrtrUaiaNNOpzWYH620E8wC0kn8/s1600/20190812_133910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFccucid3zV0ms9a-bGMtMb0WslbFgE2e0-8QBz8S7MiR1TftjV10x9yp59wEmVy8bcfIFPb7n0XUNkg4neTGXgqqsjZU6oal9JDli1ySc8Ter6B-pbrtrUaiaNNOpzWYH620E8wC0kn8/s320/20190812_133910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alright all you over-prepared folks, here's another sweet piece of gear for you! Except this time, it's one that the company hopes you never have to use: the <a href="https://mountaindogware.com/dog-carrying-harness-usa.html" target="_blank">Pack-a-Paw Rescue Harness</a> by Mountain DogWare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_iEgM47U9XP8FFrOd8frH9oc-49JrFb9s-PMy2oA93hNKlkfbVCx-1Bb71cWljN5I4rYZZAmwhwOTgwgjLLQheKkHDVSWuyeOxZJIyZMlPOlNypmCwgZTOdmeNCNhHSJ5rcZwdDundk/s1600/20190830_212115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_iEgM47U9XP8FFrOd8frH9oc-49JrFb9s-PMy2oA93hNKlkfbVCx-1Bb71cWljN5I4rYZZAmwhwOTgwgjLLQheKkHDVSWuyeOxZJIyZMlPOlNypmCwgZTOdmeNCNhHSJ5rcZwdDundk/s200/20190830_212115.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>I'd been eyeing this piece for awhile and after a short carry of less than a football field and reading Outside magazine's story of a dog left on a mountain (while at work... and crying), I finally ordered one. They offer it in black and orange; naturally I went for the traffic cone orange. </div>
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While I was happy with my color choice, I didn't gauge the sizing correctly* and Mountain DogWare quickly hooked me up with a Large. I love that they're a local company and I had the new one within a couple days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULK-jhY3fLIhEkG38Br7wo3Uk7gighQrrUTh_JjRBy9fFbPS-TtbNMNR1iLFsWx9Qa6EravdAU8S_Hqe3AzEXrkDtQ01lcmOa7dGHFmg6hDo-aRDrR5epXa1TcP530wTnmB7_Tja6_dU/s1600/20190830_212626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1471" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULK-jhY3fLIhEkG38Br7wo3Uk7gighQrrUTh_JjRBy9fFbPS-TtbNMNR1iLFsWx9Qa6EravdAU8S_Hqe3AzEXrkDtQ01lcmOa7dGHFmg6hDo-aRDrR5epXa1TcP530wTnmB7_Tja6_dU/s200/20190830_212626.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
To get straight to my point: I'm really happy that we have this in the bottom of the pack and highly recommend it. <a href="https://mountaindogware.com/instructions.php" target="_blank">As designed</a>, it's small and light (8 oz) so it is a no brainer to always have with us, even on the smallest of nature walks (where I have used it... true story). Light as it is, it's durable and has sustained the typical beatings Ty and I are known to dish out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZRxNOq4OYPElxqQRmkxIh1VskaT13OGLhxhh_sFeONyjGAjM3Q8e6ikfOs73OsZvpiTbZAgmuEyoHZpeuNY0ekwH1yg56fTqWi0uojO1OQoAsMV59FlOdEcJhFS52f3QwZdhWg9Rt1Q/s1600/20190830_190628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZRxNOq4OYPElxqQRmkxIh1VskaT13OGLhxhh_sFeONyjGAjM3Q8e6ikfOs73OsZvpiTbZAgmuEyoHZpeuNY0ekwH1yg56fTqWi0uojO1OQoAsMV59FlOdEcJhFS52f3QwZdhWg9Rt1Q/s200/20190830_190628.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forced hugs at their finest! </td></tr>
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We practice regularly, both to be prepared and because I get a little <br />
chuckle at the dogs' expense. The harness fits them well but it's designed as a functional piece, not a cushy ride, something they're not in love with to begin with. Practice has gotten all of us comfortable with lifts from various positions; I've learned the most efficient and comfortable way to package them up, including when they're lying on the ground; how to lift them front and back-facing; and for their part, they've learned the routine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4fl3w4E3kFzOcDtUlwedKBqbvdhMmrjC7DkbGMouO2AGF8XRW5zu5xg6ehyAgulJZmPiIf-0Mx9muxyBbbVg7C2mPdWLJzeRwqlr8GED2jaYeRspRn1R5uWmaH256-0a52y0T4HOHx4/s1600/20190812_133957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1221" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4fl3w4E3kFzOcDtUlwedKBqbvdhMmrjC7DkbGMouO2AGF8XRW5zu5xg6ehyAgulJZmPiIf-0Mx9muxyBbbVg7C2mPdWLJzeRwqlr8GED2jaYeRspRn1R5uWmaH256-0a52y0T4HOHx4/s320/20190812_133957.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpPeu8tUvcDRk00NdnrIQ2oAE2qqN9aF1suGVA3xHAhE1Y8LT5CbZFWfiHxA9EGT0i7qO6Ez66hbtzCvvAt0RVKbVfSN3Z2WqYSRM_ueuusZmcfcijMTUEe3PBkQMqB1jZgKfK90wZY/s1600/20190812_134157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1174" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpPeu8tUvcDRk00NdnrIQ2oAE2qqN9aF1suGVA3xHAhE1Y8LT5CbZFWfiHxA9EGT0i7qO6Ez66hbtzCvvAt0RVKbVfSN3Z2WqYSRM_ueuusZmcfcijMTUEe3PBkQMqB1jZgKfK90wZY/s320/20190812_134157.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packaged up without him having to move a muscle. The harness<br />
can be used to assist a dog into a standing position as well.</td></tr>
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Erring on the side of caution, I decided to use it when Ty was tripped off of a log and fell down a few feet. She was ambulatory but in pain, certainly not an emergency but a great usage of the rescue harness to ensure she didn't further injure herself on the walk home. Last month, Tango was hiking around the summit of Mt Washington with us when his energy level went from normal to super tired very quickly. He has a hip assist harness that did the trick (along with a ton of treats) but it made me feel secure knowing that if anything from the weather to his stamina deteriorated, I could pack him up and high tail it to the car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxdilommYHTAUJr9XxoZoK7V8ay7eb1-6o3nsvcGZA-L3ueKlkRm9nZXgGgw5iG04Hg1a61Sj0G6ykCcgHWNyTGkGSy8Ri4G0yuUkvx80Od_5iKnyp_lVsEmpG6yhcRPxGrfND_tEObM/s1600/20190825_141944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxdilommYHTAUJr9XxoZoK7V8ay7eb1-6o3nsvcGZA-L3ueKlkRm9nZXgGgw5iG04Hg1a61Sj0G6ykCcgHWNyTGkGSy8Ri4G0yuUkvx80Od_5iKnyp_lVsEmpG6yhcRPxGrfND_tEObM/s400/20190825_141944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqgebMJZrAATIAh2qP64PChbqMlQyPlDlIHp70exV2Hd8G2nBjgwXkEkRpG6GNs7a57lrBN7a3oh5ukOqGHw8u_0mVnD1zZZGKqGCWGHXxq-y10MP3Y4QwZzSTXy3V_cYgfJAAJoANmo/s1600/20190830_190838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqgebMJZrAATIAh2qP64PChbqMlQyPlDlIHp70exV2Hd8G2nBjgwXkEkRpG6GNs7a57lrBN7a3oh5ukOqGHw8u_0mVnD1zZZGKqGCWGHXxq-y10MP3Y4QwZzSTXy3V_cYgfJAAJoANmo/s320/20190830_190838.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less than professional models right here! </td></tr>
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Whether you hike, skijore, climb, or hunt with your pup, the Pack-a-Paw is well worth a look. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gQntoN_Px_qLs9Zxhv66eNMCdNwdanWY2Sy1FCrhWHmFB0-ss-rFRIWjxuw33g628g6gC6qCZWhSQsWyYcap1eWXgeCtwaPc9ax8xp9HX9eIiCbVlbpddVbaUk5FjdwbtHnqdHvg5eQ/s1600/20190830_212250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="929" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gQntoN_Px_qLs9Zxhv66eNMCdNwdanWY2Sy1FCrhWHmFB0-ss-rFRIWjxuw33g628g6gC6qCZWhSQsWyYcap1eWXgeCtwaPc9ax8xp9HX9eIiCbVlbpddVbaUk5FjdwbtHnqdHvg5eQ/s320/20190830_212250.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a smile!</td></tr>
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<i>*A little unofficial sizing info:</i></div>
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<i>Med/Large: 30-60 lb</i></div>
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<i><b>Large/Extra Large: 60-140 lb</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I6OY5MJR3MFlvig1gNte6tJEZEdYySeJogr5n6yRhOLMAenEeTrMwVmNnv6F19fCp50YL0On4gmvvK_FxwitXb-I7DtHH7DeYIyPQZu2OdIzgkuEwdoNgaCZEJoywb79GGQE4e-vU1k/s1600/upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I6OY5MJR3MFlvig1gNte6tJEZEdYySeJogr5n6yRhOLMAenEeTrMwVmNnv6F19fCp50YL0On4gmvvK_FxwitXb-I7DtHH7DeYIyPQZu2OdIzgkuEwdoNgaCZEJoywb79GGQE4e-vU1k/s320/upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A-B (width around ribs): 24"<br />
C-D (back of thigh opening to front of front leg opening): 29"<br />
E-F (belly length): 15"</div>
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-34672671994575209162019-07-18T12:33:00.001-04:002019-07-26T11:34:14.006-04:00A Hiker's Ride up the Mt Washington Auto Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIZpzu-CejnGVwOCujUlRDFBhkFtYme4ICAE_g_NOOYkxc9aJIhp4YMSzT4uuzkYiQCOuxwT2JDBCs9hyphenhyphenn3UsFglPGJb4ffTFQhCiAHnHFR_EPEoKzKj7Tpi-tHXBzrJSrOclUvjREmo/s1600/20190716_215952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIZpzu-CejnGVwOCujUlRDFBhkFtYme4ICAE_g_NOOYkxc9aJIhp4YMSzT4uuzkYiQCOuxwT2JDBCs9hyphenhyphenn3UsFglPGJb4ffTFQhCiAHnHFR_EPEoKzKj7Tpi-tHXBzrJSrOclUvjREmo/s320/20190716_215952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lately I’ve found myself explaining this one a lot: I’m an avid hiker who prefers to explore on foot but I’m also the proud holder of a <a href="https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/" target="_blank">Mt Washington Auto Road</a> season pass. I do love being a contradiction...!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYj6F2CRu6mhExD2LYCjNVqKhZMe1YvIOhxbVPvedyQ5Zn5p9Gz-FA6vz3SIr1P7kLUhaYuSwsw0AUrFdFRyfMabEFD2gk8x3NBHKfW4CoOh4KiEghlK-d0YiId64wIGju_boIJMDR1Y/s1600/20190717_201404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYj6F2CRu6mhExD2LYCjNVqKhZMe1YvIOhxbVPvedyQ5Zn5p9Gz-FA6vz3SIr1P7kLUhaYuSwsw0AUrFdFRyfMabEFD2gk8x3NBHKfW4CoOh4KiEghlK-d0YiId64wIGju_boIJMDR1Y/s320/20190717_201404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow in June... that's a contradiction!</td></tr>
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Admittedly, I used to roll my eyes at the mention of the Cog or Auto Road - the motorized methods of transportation to the summit of the northeast’s tallest peak. But simple things, like working for a travel agency and watching Tango truck on through lessening body awareness and muscle strength, softened my view and helped me acknowledge what I knew deep down: however one gets to the beloved summit, there is tremendous value in the fact that visitors invest their time and money to get there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw4hr9xDodq5ZtYxOm8YJxlB3oCYM5HcaedpahsEZqafEQ3J1Wj27LSl_qRO5ThnC5UrW78L9jOmXVJIwprmqmeD021NWsHRm8sFIbtJ2rOVcqEwU1lSkZ35mCyVEomJ0byx4bZZindE/s1600/20190608_113518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw4hr9xDodq5ZtYxOm8YJxlB3oCYM5HcaedpahsEZqafEQ3J1Wj27LSl_qRO5ThnC5UrW78L9jOmXVJIwprmqmeD021NWsHRm8sFIbtJ2rOVcqEwU1lSkZ35mCyVEomJ0byx4bZZindE/s400/20190608_113518.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit structures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FJV7KT5HCCOZMZ-lGOel5uLpT5PjFjSq9Zt0LzyFSommmUgLrn7MshK64GK211WuF1rc2lXHqc42-bWPaTm283M9nZatDaYMZa4lw0Ms2T2KMlyI3yhZHSyEj0MSbr1okXf7xdVSU2w/s1600/20190608_104045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FJV7KT5HCCOZMZ-lGOel5uLpT5PjFjSq9Zt0LzyFSommmUgLrn7MshK64GK211WuF1rc2lXHqc42-bWPaTm283M9nZatDaYMZa4lw0Ms2T2KMlyI3yhZHSyEj0MSbr1okXf7xdVSU2w/s400/20190608_104045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulloff shortly below the summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
While, yes, I still go crazy from some of what I see on my way up and at the summit and never make a trip without trying to politely, even lightheartedly, impart a little <a href="https://lnt.org/" target="_blank">LNT</a> knowledge, it's a wonderful trip. And I acknowledge that vehicles allow people who might not otherwise have the means (time, gear, stamina, health, etc.) to access a summit that holds the power to mystify them, wow them with sweeping vistas, and make them more emotionally connected to the landscape. We, as a society, need that for so many reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGutsulfK2zZETd-zTIMyT455TWGlpGAlJg-pTM-dw4zB08raQGVakQL4Sg-xZYd0s0Lo6xo7GEMliUJGVg3kk5IjtIvOhMcZj7y22rWuCkzlxMcidLBSUhdZ4g5nhYWXCYceIJG767o/s1600/20190608_113221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGutsulfK2zZETd-zTIMyT455TWGlpGAlJg-pTM-dw4zB08raQGVakQL4Sg-xZYd0s0Lo6xo7GEMliUJGVg3kk5IjtIvOhMcZj7y22rWuCkzlxMcidLBSUhdZ4g5nhYWXCYceIJG767o/s400/20190608_113221.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View north from the observation deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbLkUVZr7oNmYeaLTLhPlmeUUWgICbRgm_ue1jzEGZqipBX75jOcNRouI865nzpLESMkau-iiwfX1VvW47KVQYsYRDBYKFmM_Xmd4C6rjWxK5gswtV2Hl7R1djoyvjyX_8G9x_aFoVcU/s1600/20190608_103022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbLkUVZr7oNmYeaLTLhPlmeUUWgICbRgm_ue1jzEGZqipBX75jOcNRouI865nzpLESMkau-iiwfX1VvW47KVQYsYRDBYKFmM_Xmd4C6rjWxK5gswtV2Hl7R1djoyvjyX_8G9x_aFoVcU/s320/20190608_103022.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little flowers, big attraction</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn5yYlLs304kqzeku7n-UJFoZcN7pgxbihNHOVEneKgz1tXhC8r1Fe3D-zjKHatQlFq3gLVFxJfHXUT0L0jIVUe0egil8xnQEadIDVEycS5H7BHDfTzG2OjPUfHzHwBUBRHEUNYELAgo/s1600/20190615_150902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn5yYlLs304kqzeku7n-UJFoZcN7pgxbihNHOVEneKgz1tXhC8r1Fe3D-zjKHatQlFq3gLVFxJfHXUT0L0jIVUe0egil8xnQEadIDVEycS5H7BHDfTzG2OjPUfHzHwBUBRHEUNYELAgo/s400/20190615_150902.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beautiful views attained by less than a <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">quarter mile </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">of descending the aptly nicknamed 'rockpile' (summit cone)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eLiZqNWMyajnl1VHtX0SY1jP1i5nXw-2Y9sTW7pOiyqdOjrKyF_BliYzBAwdi8FiTc3BKyscUL8VTjEOwUYx_Qwlf1q-rj4dMWi5AEy-lG371ymB99ldRcuGxq1L-jpjEOvGAqZh6Lo/s1600/20190615_155136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eLiZqNWMyajnl1VHtX0SY1jP1i5nXw-2Y9sTW7pOiyqdOjrKyF_BliYzBAwdi8FiTc3BKyscUL8VTjEOwUYx_Qwlf1q-rj4dMWi5AEy-lG371ymB99ldRcuGxq1L-jpjEOvGAqZh6Lo/s400/20190615_155136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrMBRDYGuYvLBQ1eDswO3k9ch3M_bIxwy0zBVyMxXuY2fCCX_Nv9kLknAPEqUcBJ4oi2-bKcDZ_vTAqF8z0mIeXfOTo0XxlfvIZsqhSrJ8xenaLibtNUWSDgHGERsb2c24ZSVLAch-7c/s1600/20190614_121130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1022" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrMBRDYGuYvLBQ1eDswO3k9ch3M_bIxwy0zBVyMxXuY2fCCX_Nv9kLknAPEqUcBJ4oi2-bKcDZ_vTAqF8z0mIeXfOTo0XxlfvIZsqhSrJ8xenaLibtNUWSDgHGERsb2c24ZSVLAch-7c/s200/20190614_121130.jpg" width="127" /></a><br />
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As Tango approaches his 12th birthday, I’m presented with two facts: <span id="goog_422012590"></span><br />
<span id="goog_422012589"></span></div>
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1. I love Mt Washington and the alpine zone. It is my happy place, my Disney World, my heart’s home. <br />
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2. Tango’s lower back weakness betrays his otherwise youthful trail smiles. A properly choreographed hip check from a dog friend and he’s in a sit faster than any rally dog… just nowhere near as clean. <br />
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So how do I get to continue to share my “happy place” with both my dogs/not exclude Tango because of something that’s beyond his control? Enter a perfectly timed birthday and family that understands that my dogs’ happiness is my happiness - the gift of the <a href="https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/drive-yourself/auto-road-season-pass" target="_blank">Mt Washington Auto Road Pass</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaluTc6lTHXyRLZZBIxp7kdQ1RnKRMKLakcGAUlMwSBqKHv5GdVw7AoxzdNbl93MtPgaev9uSTL_697UNeFtXQCIXDwELdqwQtqBDsNskNOTjAJHmbgPPsoNCzy7TDPaDWmLFN7MRjcK4/s1600/20190717_200943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaluTc6lTHXyRLZZBIxp7kdQ1RnKRMKLakcGAUlMwSBqKHv5GdVw7AoxzdNbl93MtPgaev9uSTL_697UNeFtXQCIXDwELdqwQtqBDsNskNOTjAJHmbgPPsoNCzy7TDPaDWmLFN7MRjcK4/s200/20190717_200943.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 pass #4!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since our first visit a couple of years ago, the Mt Washington Auto Road has really grown on me. The itinerary options for a visit are much broader than they seem at first glance. I’ve found the <a href="https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/mt-washington-state-park" target="_blank">state park</a> (accessible only via the auto road, cog railroad, or on foot) to be a wonderful way to get our non-hiking friends out for a unique experience while challenging Tybee <i>and </i>not being too taxing on Tango.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8g7RS_E05MI1pmSjvVCFTtP_clKV939dNQOCYdEOs8wLLX7KHLHJ7UamXfPLP8rO7l44n63PYRM4cqDhjzhoVkSLKL4n0Udm3Wril6sQPza6RPYT0ppsKXs_GGyi5gGH_kKRiGpPImzc/s1600/20190717_201526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1149" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8g7RS_E05MI1pmSjvVCFTtP_clKV939dNQOCYdEOs8wLLX7KHLHJ7UamXfPLP8rO7l44n63PYRM4cqDhjzhoVkSLKL4n0Udm3Wril6sQPza6RPYT0ppsKXs_GGyi5gGH_kKRiGpPImzc/s320/20190717_201526.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zv2rn1e72Kg7S74mZin15TrRWRMV1IQohL4nY53741hfdZB5Wk7YBa5RvpwRiDOB2PDzKRUo9BKBUenErzrpnmArOjYpwlFxOt977XgNekWIb2R6exEWjoe6o44Db9n6NNw6dghPdZI/s1600/20190717_201138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zv2rn1e72Kg7S74mZin15TrRWRMV1IQohL4nY53741hfdZB5Wk7YBa5RvpwRiDOB2PDzKRUo9BKBUenErzrpnmArOjYpwlFxOt977XgNekWIb2R6exEWjoe6o44Db9n6NNw6dghPdZI/s320/20190717_201138.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqREVtI4kWDXVfWZ2_c7MqQfbdxQWvZ6UdogMGERZXrzE-CA_lDr2oLNZiZHhyphenhyphen4z7QiLlk7s7I21v5FforvBPRl1kTMa2GhuNA0fXt142PuBUfXqm9zLJRR1C6Ldxv82n03u9TI8JWi84/s1600/20190717_201418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqREVtI4kWDXVfWZ2_c7MqQfbdxQWvZ6UdogMGERZXrzE-CA_lDr2oLNZiZHhyphenhyphen4z7QiLlk7s7I21v5FforvBPRl1kTMa2GhuNA0fXt142PuBUfXqm9zLJRR1C6Ldxv82n03u9TI8JWi84/s400/20190717_201418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHNOWv-UMNOzlKTZ0oLga6MIUszEsuffwNwSS4CmgM5HlO6ZCM-fCQrJJxClbyt906OcwyLCmxtgcUnC5z9Ky5x1V0PxxO3QsSMIzvVTgMtFfc7yLO-Kg_8jD1MdncNqBnVyOOzU3ddw/s1600/20190608_131752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHNOWv-UMNOzlKTZ0oLga6MIUszEsuffwNwSS4CmgM5HlO6ZCM-fCQrJJxClbyt906OcwyLCmxtgcUnC5z9Ky5x1V0PxxO3QsSMIzvVTgMtFfc7yLO-Kg_8jD1MdncNqBnVyOOzU3ddw/s400/20190608_131752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although not representative of the hiking experience as a whole, the availability of hot food and “real" bathrooms helped ease our greener companions into hiking and contribute to their positive experience. Moreover, I thought, surely, the appreciation for the work associated with summiting on foot would be lost of our companions. Not so! I made a point of stopping and getting out of the car every 1500 feet or so for us to acclimate to the changing temperature and wind gusts. The drastic change from the valley floor was well understood and the rock hopping off the summit cone isn’t a cake walk, so even the shortest of hikes offered a reasonable challenge for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXTrRaKgbTkRgLs7A1cUYIQA7BVUenFdKqzirsLDmfKsc1i2W3JYOYEPKpSWMSsIEMU3ivgzQfKIWACliNU1XTTAnv0M03X_FtqGS1Ge8VLA49kMrnBIUKzf6WJ3YI9m8XSgLlJBYyRg/s1600/20190608_154604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXTrRaKgbTkRgLs7A1cUYIQA7BVUenFdKqzirsLDmfKsc1i2W3JYOYEPKpSWMSsIEMU3ivgzQfKIWACliNU1XTTAnv0M03X_FtqGS1Ge8VLA49kMrnBIUKzf6WJ3YI9m8XSgLlJBYyRg/s320/20190608_154604.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a walk in the park!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjzNFtWUg6GZVrAE0AsgZGpjUh6W6iZi8PDsNoNhyphenhyphenHLqBG3OH4oE9g-fixQsCgXM4tF6S6mpXC5CAtudFody1FlUDHA3guLh5Amou5JzArEzAjsGPmMrPHFMeZCBBxu0LmUmumlgP4Vg/s1600/20190613_122013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjzNFtWUg6GZVrAE0AsgZGpjUh6W6iZi8PDsNoNhyphenhyphenHLqBG3OH4oE9g-fixQsCgXM4tF6S6mpXC5CAtudFody1FlUDHA3guLh5Amou5JzArEzAjsGPmMrPHFMeZCBBxu0LmUmumlgP4Vg/s320/20190613_122013.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The classic summit picture is at the cairn in the background.<br />
Usually, there's a line of people waiting their turn. </td></tr>
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Another benefit of the auto road is the ability to combine a visit to my favorite summit with other activities. So far, that’s allowed us to see a whole lot of lupines, kick back at Chocorua Lake on the way home, and more!<br />
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Finally, there's something intrinsically satisfying about the chance to enjoy the trails and support the local economy at the same time. The truth is, I sort of pride myself on finding cheap adventures around this incredible little state, usually away from the crowds.* On the other hand, I also wholly appreciate the value in supporting NH businesses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmDcCdRwdgNSCXmA4HcDMMCpFGxFFr07daqsLFWNlqSO0EPkhahLZTWmLHNSYbbr7SU3TYQm0U70d2VSTtglJqiZmzfi5kHQ6SNmpIed6zP0KPEF3EDGhY8yjVSqXGjdsdiHgePgBb3c/s1600/20190717_201020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmDcCdRwdgNSCXmA4HcDMMCpFGxFFr07daqsLFWNlqSO0EPkhahLZTWmLHNSYbbr7SU3TYQm0U70d2VSTtglJqiZmzfi5kHQ6SNmpIed6zP0KPEF3EDGhY8yjVSqXGjdsdiHgePgBb3c/s320/20190717_201020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The auto road and state park are dog friendly. Ty loves when I <br />
open up <b>all</b> the windows for the ride, especially the hatch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbdNCtl6MtUizPg0vaXrVZKVnqryoyc12mxzYBFbqmaex-AW4EeZ5Gjpr3_KePjSjDYcNYB2NgyKybgTntVx54GkJ_l0W48qnNT5PcNNchsA8jX3K2PnNNP57GQpBfDDnImuyqpsonO4/s1600/20190608_102921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbdNCtl6MtUizPg0vaXrVZKVnqryoyc12mxzYBFbqmaex-AW4EeZ5Gjpr3_KePjSjDYcNYB2NgyKybgTntVx54GkJ_l0W48qnNT5PcNNchsA8jX3K2PnNNP57GQpBfDDnImuyqpsonO4/s200/20190608_102921.jpg" width="96" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sure, there are concerns like carbon emissions, and yes, if you got there on foot, you should totally get to cut the line at the summit cairn, but I see the auto road & state park as a joint opportunity for regional visitors and residents to connect with what we hikers get to see and experience regularly. The truth is, we need as many advocates as we can get to continue to protect these places as our world changes. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnLwHG7RAW4wRLCS2_PxNcZ2a0Fynr1B4omXe43lMp5eCYAXVQvhmJULfilRWjzAA3NNYAvsUilImHQa3d9jSYGsJMPbUoSvlOEMyMTy8XpE-fR11ikM6F8dZ32DtJQfrAD0QmP9yMGE/s1600/20190608_103052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnLwHG7RAW4wRLCS2_PxNcZ2a0Fynr1B4omXe43lMp5eCYAXVQvhmJULfilRWjzAA3NNYAvsUilImHQa3d9jSYGsJMPbUoSvlOEMyMTy8XpE-fR11ikM6F8dZ32DtJQfrAD0QmP9yMGE/s400/20190608_103052.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend taking in Carter-Wildcat Ridge from a pulloff<br />
shortly before the subalpine zone withers into talus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIhGyRXfiqzYhTktp8xxCkuSKBzfZ0glSj6T_fudIiiyZwOA_qXHuvZhDFfrpfKyTORnqdtsIBnkey2UnaHzIqsFabT8EHKKCScfRo1boU0108TSeyCYgUIkwUAXNfrzeichuGe1vGXU/s1600/20190608_122452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIhGyRXfiqzYhTktp8xxCkuSKBzfZ0glSj6T_fudIiiyZwOA_qXHuvZhDFfrpfKyTORnqdtsIBnkey2UnaHzIqsFabT8EHKKCScfRo1boU0108TSeyCYgUIkwUAXNfrzeichuGe1vGXU/s400/20190608_122452.jpg" width="400" /></a>From my perspective, the auto road folks are dedicated advocates for Mt Washington, demonstrated through a number of earnest <a href="https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/environmental" target="_blank">green initiatives</a> and support of <a href="https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/state-to-study-mount-washington-s-summit-capacity/article_15ec12d4-8b6f-11e8-92e2-3bf94ddcf750.html" target="_blank">scientific studies</a>. And they’re always up for a good time, hosting a bunch of niche events to bring out the community, from <a href="https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/mount-washington-road-race" target="_blank">runners </a>to <a href="https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/nh-atv-day" target="_blank">ATV’ers</a>, and are a part of the Mt Washington Valley community at large. The way these guys tie all that together into a successful business is impressive and all the more endearing to someone who is selective about where she spends her money.<br />
<br />
A day visiting George, supporting a local business I respect, engendering a greater appreciation and respect for nature in our friends, and making both puppers happy all at once proves what a great experience the Mt Washington Auto Road can be for anyone from the casually interested to diehard hikers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz46wNxo8Era8Gm55xFHseYikn6BpheSsU8_aNTNl83k5_vDkXexKpXKs-KsYd78p8wvW5QMcMesuqPlN4yg0pxCefs0xLDCXo3VCwS43zxXPiJ98uxsMXbENEOIZHVN5h_Od7byB4O8/s1600/20190615_150131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz46wNxo8Era8Gm55xFHseYikn6BpheSsU8_aNTNl83k5_vDkXexKpXKs-KsYd78p8wvW5QMcMesuqPlN4yg0pxCefs0xLDCXo3VCwS43zxXPiJ98uxsMXbENEOIZHVN5h_Od7byB4O8/s400/20190615_150131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*I recommend an early start, visiting towards the shoulders of their open season, or (to some degree - summer is still tourist season) a weekday visit if you and/or your dog prefer a less crowded experience.</div>
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Final Note: regardless of how you summit, Mt Washington is no joke. Check the <a href="https://www.mountwashington.org/" target="_blank">forecast</a>, prepare for cooler temps, and pack a <a href="https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/" target="_blank">bag</a>. One should be prepared for even the smallest of adventures! Lastly, the cafeteria is cash only, plan accordingly.</div>
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-19719713377129810862019-06-07T17:41:00.001-04:002019-08-01T16:01:56.093-04:00MuttRuk Phoenix 14 Pack Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBzkb7TOOX44SVRZUToBxT4FgjwDx6a08O1z_OdLDBEFESl-rHRU-kItwG0PERtw2_i-3-qpKKm7zMyOGotSoxbNgMcojhQRF4T1wv_jVoDIegyBt5k3miu6-O8UceGKA3jHAkAEJBW8/s1600/20190607_163907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBzkb7TOOX44SVRZUToBxT4FgjwDx6a08O1z_OdLDBEFESl-rHRU-kItwG0PERtw2_i-3-qpKKm7zMyOGotSoxbNgMcojhQRF4T1wv_jVoDIegyBt5k3miu6-O8UceGKA3jHAkAEJBW8/s400/20190607_163907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello! Quite the sabbatical I seem to have taken - 14 months if I dare admit it!<br />
<br />
Though I was never as active with this space as I wanted to be, I felt that blogging led to a loss in quality time with the dogs and the backlog that accompanied that sentiment proved too great to write my way out of. In the months since I thought I’d given up, I’ve devoted more effort to both doing more with the pups and working towards achieving my lifestyle goals. It’s made for a busy but rewarding year.<br />
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That perspective is part of why I started following an Instagram profile by dog-mom Gretchen about her two pups, Lander and Phoenix. I connected with so many of her posts about hiking with her spirited, pointy-eared problem child and stoically handsome, ever-watchful senior. Come to find out, Gretchen has been working on a wicked cool project: a pack designed for people who hike with their dogs. Being the niche gear hoarder that I am, when she put out the call for an ambassador search, I applied and was blown away when I was invited to the team.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePeXwBaRrTlc_Q47bpPxPqUTUJhSW4qZnv5zpyXJwWEyT5cwS1UAJEqP0MG79_gHwo3YmXmF5qjhXp53KtRlZnb5Igbwfxd_-uGhGLAcS8xXLijWYyos5i8LKIND7z9B1TbvKf99EjMA/s1600/20190419_181947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePeXwBaRrTlc_Q47bpPxPqUTUJhSW4qZnv5zpyXJwWEyT5cwS1UAJEqP0MG79_gHwo3YmXmF5qjhXp53KtRlZnb5Igbwfxd_-uGhGLAcS8xXLijWYyos5i8LKIND7z9B1TbvKf99EjMA/s320/20190419_181947.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cAHnKCJMK4NgroNxA9pTMIdsCNlRivMaVJcBcIT_u38d4IEUY5wnpFfgM0C5Gaq0SEuAv-rQz5Su2YtHg3_QYbDeKifrMwYXSLOBLcmCAD_BSGnO30jMZSkjJWnvUN3ZoNZobMX6XjA/s1600/20190606_183215%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cAHnKCJMK4NgroNxA9pTMIdsCNlRivMaVJcBcIT_u38d4IEUY5wnpFfgM0C5Gaq0SEuAv-rQz5Su2YtHg3_QYbDeKifrMwYXSLOBLcmCAD_BSGnO30jMZSkjJWnvUN3ZoNZobMX6XjA/s320/20190606_183215%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pack's stitching pays homage to Gretchen's pointy-eared furkids. <br />
Ty fits right in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Her company, <a href="https://muttruk.com/" target="_blank">Muttruk</a>, recently debuted its first pack, the Phoenix 14. We’ve had ours for about 6 weeks and it’s become my go-to pack for anything from a 45 minute meander to a half day hike. Its versatility means it goes into the woods, down to the beach, and over to the brewery with us. I’ve included a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/muttruk/muttruk-phoenix-14-backpack-built-for-you-and-your-dog?ref=backerkit" target="_blank">link</a> to their Kickstarter campaign so you can check out all features and specs that come together to keep me organized when I'm out with the dogs. I want to highlight just a few so I can demonstrate how intuitive and convenient they are in detail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgWdVxR3SGoJjVG8CAJTHIEcXeqW5FngORQ8gLgKQHZlrbH57iR0zIx31taYd0Abm3oZOe1ZrCGje5UkTzd2GjJjK8E6QgJUzBS6hK0XWIeR3vS2R6Dt68eX6AkJiCGfKQHnkDN_lw6A/s1600/20190521_164258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgWdVxR3SGoJjVG8CAJTHIEcXeqW5FngORQ8gLgKQHZlrbH57iR0zIx31taYd0Abm3oZOe1ZrCGje5UkTzd2GjJjK8E6QgJUzBS6hK0XWIeR3vS2R6Dt68eX6AkJiCGfKQHnkDN_lw6A/s320/20190521_164258.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYib5bgWsHRfc0srpHrNCisJs6cCB6_8oU8Lhdrr4iHC4vuNoh_YMTk9gGzjK6LtYtFsOGp1oc__bY8pGfevnmQRulGoNRpgSFPBrN64VR0EyAsduDnpKyPXQyKckMdY2d4hNVlcSBEUI/s1600/20190607_163952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYib5bgWsHRfc0srpHrNCisJs6cCB6_8oU8Lhdrr4iHC4vuNoh_YMTk9gGzjK6LtYtFsOGp1oc__bY8pGfevnmQRulGoNRpgSFPBrN64VR0EyAsduDnpKyPXQyKckMdY2d4hNVlcSBEUI/s320/20190607_163952.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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First, if I could put the Phoenix 14’s shoulder straps on all my packs, I would. I <b>love </b>these things and here’s why: my phone is unnecessarily big and on top of that, it lives in thick, a drop-rated case. It doesn’t fit anywhere. Except the Phoenix. The vertical pockets are microfiber lined and incredibly ergonomic; grabbing the phone the second the dogs do something remotely picture-worthy is as intuitive as pressing the shutter button.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68HLBaSKgbJk4MtUN39I-xAUjWnko_C9fF_7aQCcSgdlf2E0iBMwW37P_PE76mkpRz7xCzFJzEsfC7T-4IwXYjGgpyQKdhW9bexShT4Z3t9UtoDaPs-DOmrQvZtbQ7i__bHdPdWbLfLI/s1600/20190607_170520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68HLBaSKgbJk4MtUN39I-xAUjWnko_C9fF_7aQCcSgdlf2E0iBMwW37P_PE76mkpRz7xCzFJzEsfC7T-4IwXYjGgpyQKdhW9bexShT4Z3t9UtoDaPs-DOmrQvZtbQ7i__bHdPdWbLfLI/s320/20190607_170520.jpg" width="170" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6z_enKHepbrHpZoZFqZcPvikVQTd-rFOowAw5LjIv2Iwj7eVNf3E5Bs8hVq43vnT3IAb-Jn69nLHhuxVEAubTUh5QHcKY3kx8zQHIdycR4moYqO0kcdaojL9kAViIba4yG5RNMjdmec/s1600/20190607_170411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6z_enKHepbrHpZoZFqZcPvikVQTd-rFOowAw5LjIv2Iwj7eVNf3E5Bs8hVq43vnT3IAb-Jn69nLHhuxVEAubTUh5QHcKY3kx8zQHIdycR4moYqO0kcdaojL9kAViIba4yG5RNMjdmec/s320/20190607_170411.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Since I take all my pictures on my phone, this bug spray bottle was </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">conveniently </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">stashed in the pack </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">and makes the same point about pocket capacity!</span></div>
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Second, more pockets! I’ll admit, I’ve got some pretty sweet hip belt pockets on my bigger Gregory packs. But none are as delightfully ginormous as those on the Phoenix 14.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYTprBbyAa5K1fxoixA1KhCvzG4FmjFWKp8bZYJU82L4Q5XMn57wwKQXYw9WsZ7liurwErO_ZXW2FkL82GKj0HxTLGJzRsxT1I-NJhfs1ys26Yj2WPXC6qbjiZfsDMtKKHnzpjRLEis8/s1600/20190607_163936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYTprBbyAa5K1fxoixA1KhCvzG4FmjFWKp8bZYJU82L4Q5XMn57wwKQXYw9WsZ7liurwErO_ZXW2FkL82GKj0HxTLGJzRsxT1I-NJhfs1ys26Yj2WPXC6qbjiZfsDMtKKHnzpjRLEis8/s320/20190607_163936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hip belt pocket features:<br />
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On the right side, there is an exterior pocket specifically for a roll of waste bags. It’s convenient and I think, for passers-by who notice, reinforces a positive impression of dog-owning hikers as conscientious trail users.<br />
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On the left side is an integrated daisy chain and carabiner. Options abound with these attachment points. I have been using them to keep Ty’s SportDog collar and a leash at the ready. The ability to switch back and forth management tools <i>and </i>reinforce good behavior more frequently because treats are more readily accessible, has allowed me to better respond - and keep ahead of - her prey drive than while wearing other packs, when I’d either ignore training moments or repeatedly stop to dig something out. The Muttruk way is a much safer and more enjoyable way!<br />
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Two noteworthy observations about the attachment points: First, the placement of the chain was well thought out. My husband and I have each used the pack with her collar and remote affixed and simply by moving how far down the chain they’re positioned, neither of us felt any arm movement inhibition despite our different builds. Secondly, the carabiner’s sleeve is sewn to the pocket as well as any premium dog collar and I trust it to bear significant weight.<br />
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Removable liners - so use and abuse them without worrying about consequences. Got some messy treats but forgot the pouch? Run out of places to store a used waste bag? Problems solved (they mask scent really well too, FYI!).<br />
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Just as promised, extensive detail about only a few of the many features of the Phoenix 14. To continue on about its comfort and durability and dive into the main compartment would require a small book! So why focus on pockets? Because their functionality leads to an enhanced experience and if you’ve read my other reviews on products such as the Release ‘n’ Run, you’ll understand how much I value gear that supports underserved user needs. Tango would second the on-point functionality, as my function is to keep the trail treats coming and he definitely gets more of them since I’m not as focused on portioning out my supply til the next time I plan to remove my pack. The simple fact that it’s perfectly sized for a broad spectrum of adventures means I take it places I used to bring hardly anything then wished I had a given item, either out of necessity or the dogs’ comfort. I may have very specific reasons why I’m a huge fan of Muttruk and the Phoenix 14 but the pack is so versatile that anyone who brings their dog along for adventures will reap the benefits of Gretchen’s foresight and innovation! <br />
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<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-39429629026889606492018-04-09T23:00:00.000-04:002019-12-20T15:49:24.908-05:00The Peaks of Pawtuckaway<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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Last week I went from gung-ho about peakbagging to barely wanting to head out at all come <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261726747" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> night. Joining Hannah at Pawtuckaway on Saturday, April 7 was the perfect solution.<u></u><u></u></div>
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To get to our starting point, we followed Reservation Road down the hill past where it turns to dirt and parked near the first orange gate (also where the road hooks to the right).<u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easiest of easy starts</td></tr>
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There is no snow up to North Mountain! The trail is well marked with white blazes yet we still found ourselves accidentally wandering off between the sparse trees. Grades are moderate and the terrain is more akin to that of the Ossipee Range trails than the Whites – more hard packed dirt and rock slabs than boulder-strewn. It often reminded me of <a href="https://www.pawsonpeaks.com/2019/11/mt-roberts-castle-in-clouds.html" target="_blank">Mt Roberts</a> but a little easier.<u></u><u></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Between Ty and Titus, we seem to be in a calamity vortex that included our first porcupine encounter in quite some time. Ty led as Titus followed her off trail, noses suspiciously angled upwards. In a strange turn of events, she returned promptly when called and Titus had to be tracked down by his confused barks. Yep, T’s first quilling </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.8px;">L</span></div>
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The bizarreness continued but in a more productive way as we rounded everyone up and away from the languishing porky. A couple was coming down the hill with their three dogs. Lo and behold, they were veterinarians! And damn good ones; the guy, whose name I regret forgetting, calmly pulled T’s quills out (with his fingers no less!) and gave a quick recap of recommended aftercare before we continued on. How Ty didn’t put herself in the middle of the interaction and what made T nip at the animal’s prickly backside more than once has stumped us both!<u></u><u></u></div>
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As we continued on, there were a couple of opportunities for hill views and the wind started to pick up. We made it down to the old concrete blocks for a short break and Hannah made out better than I did getting the dogs to pose. Tango has his “front paws up” mastered but won’t stay without constant rewarding just yet.<u></u><u></u><br />
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Between the base of the old tower and the pond, the trail went through patches of dense conifers and has some steep sections with lots of ice-glazed roots. I was in Bogs and did alright but the party that let us go first was wearing micros and warned me to "be careful." We enjoyed the alternating tree cover and spring vs. desperate last hold on winter conditions.<u></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaKTmLJ7EJ_jcS3TkXuyp6r6oDIYNxdZPcyL1TCFrDUpY4wVx5FJnk0H4dTzr49gVGqVbN4453XWRyi5ssK5CjJXJw9cJm9iq7qTWAFCs3sUWfV_GzMh4pKD1fH_LVFw7NZ1Q6dKUChM/s1600/20180407_142404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaKTmLJ7EJ_jcS3TkXuyp6r6oDIYNxdZPcyL1TCFrDUpY4wVx5FJnk0H4dTzr49gVGqVbN4453XWRyi5ssK5CjJXJw9cJm9iq7qTWAFCs3sUWfV_GzMh4pKD1fH_LVFw7NZ1Q6dKUChM/s320/20180407_142404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Teach Titus bad things day"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdsxhGGjVozS9UVtIOcPXo4hUCV5HNQziQ5ulllW027Ct0OZSSPyv8Zl_aOmBOaBr2pO-fSejqoPrnIADR-kLwc8esBIIm_x08P-NuhJ1F-wMqKwmnn8dO-4twVD9lP0UBkAnMicGSpk/s1600/20180407_142739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdsxhGGjVozS9UVtIOcPXo4hUCV5HNQziQ5ulllW027Ct0OZSSPyv8Zl_aOmBOaBr2pO-fSejqoPrnIADR-kLwc8esBIIm_x08P-NuhJ1F-wMqKwmnn8dO-4twVD9lP0UBkAnMicGSpk/s320/20180407_142739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final drop down to the marsh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Down by the ponds, we wove around the marshes and boulders, somewhat following the trail but appeasing Ty’s exploratory nature. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-w0UZ6EkUv1VctnCkVhPRl2y87U0Uj3aA4TBB3XSy293isIaErSDudNTgz0uknsFZmxfZk3_aSNGW4KyLR6awEhjS0-2uY75I8yOCbUQGR7dxI9hOKgedH28006obvlVPhIxcrql5E/s1600/20180407_145543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-w0UZ6EkUv1VctnCkVhPRl2y87U0Uj3aA4TBB3XSy293isIaErSDudNTgz0uknsFZmxfZk3_aSNGW4KyLR6awEhjS0-2uY75I8yOCbUQGR7dxI9hOKgedH28006obvlVPhIxcrql5E/s320/20180407_145543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a reason Carolina Dogs are called "swamp dogs!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRqTo8UXFaL9vUO0wgV4qSjYRD5erce3cxwR5Be-KKcP4dhHpLfJitmAwTtZOn6AOgtUQEY823N1VChgNfIctxNssH1Yp9PB4bwc7ZA8mWq8M2xDErIf6sUP51j1n7NUsSQfLLDzeWPY/s1600/20180407_145643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRqTo8UXFaL9vUO0wgV4qSjYRD5erce3cxwR5Be-KKcP4dhHpLfJitmAwTtZOn6AOgtUQEY823N1VChgNfIctxNssH1Yp9PB4bwc7ZA8mWq8M2xDErIf6sUP51j1n7NUsSQfLLDzeWPY/s320/20180407_145643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallowing season</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3FfVt7apFe4lgXQWkS8HU1cDdOBsfJwLQgHZdGXMfArGDQYdW9IM5KeJcr1kb0hOmcft3fWSSNEoSCuqWZul6Joaqc6p4ya2akZt7B1QAwCQMgUQw-fAB8qBlSbbgfAtc9M_yHCLErE/s1600/20180407_145951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3FfVt7apFe4lgXQWkS8HU1cDdOBsfJwLQgHZdGXMfArGDQYdW9IM5KeJcr1kb0hOmcft3fWSSNEoSCuqWZul6Joaqc6p4ya2akZt7B1QAwCQMgUQw-fAB8qBlSbbgfAtc9M_yHCLErE/s320/20180407_145951.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Please pretend you love me for two seconds...." </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtcR9ld9pwGPH1qaCINi1qUh5YFkP29wOp8FFsuXu0Yzool1d7REaKUfhEQubFXyvPREL0tmddxnc3UCGv6UdNL0yzBgEPGhnO3izAqXRTVG8TlhEJyxIwLHxef8zMRKWdUHzvDqETgE/s1600/20180407_150455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtcR9ld9pwGPH1qaCINi1qUh5YFkP29wOp8FFsuXu0Yzool1d7REaKUfhEQubFXyvPREL0tmddxnc3UCGv6UdNL0yzBgEPGhnO3izAqXRTVG8TlhEJyxIwLHxef8zMRKWdUHzvDqETgE/s320/20180407_150455.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More neat rocks</td></tr>
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Back on another carriage road temporarily, we opted to take South Mountain Trail up to the fire tower. It seemed steeper than it should have felt and one of the pitches was straight dirt. Makes me wonder how long before erosion has its way with the trail.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YPBRrHw7-GM7PAdARVelVTaIThEZR_W9eJTLa9UW97lJOXtqW3A1Mwrb3DsaTSMx7Hhjp3S7Mv1IG_aOOdb2P4c1IOtliHiOSevH3f0cfaqBAZjNj5hRM2ew1ZnlDS4vLBQ5aHfjmiI/s1600/20180407_154105%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YPBRrHw7-GM7PAdARVelVTaIThEZR_W9eJTLa9UW97lJOXtqW3A1Mwrb3DsaTSMx7Hhjp3S7Mv1IG_aOOdb2P4c1IOtliHiOSevH3f0cfaqBAZjNj5hRM2ew1ZnlDS4vLBQ5aHfjmiI/s320/20180407_154105%25280%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of TybTangs leading young Titus astray. They remind me of the archetypal neighborhood teens when someone's younger brother joins the gang.</td></tr>
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The trail took some nice breaks, crossed a stream, and continued upwards, more gently towards the top. Below the tower was nice and open but hosted a handful of people so we walked over to the open slabs adjacent but devoid of other hikers. Hannah put in a valiant effort to snap a photo of me with the dogs but I have uncooperative canines and a disappointing lack of understanding of how a real camera works.<u></u><br />
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Because one tower picture isn't enough</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBHSLEMLCOPJwkYtyelVKV8Mbr3jnxEk2_3_GIZ3j3s0vR9QwhEvmfilCHY7zpKDW2X-gHo_Y39uCHMnT6SqJDh6zA4bJI1FHDCcr1SDXLcMh61Bmg5dIKosBmgCAodDW294Ac2BFatM/s1600/20180407_163442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBHSLEMLCOPJwkYtyelVKV8Mbr3jnxEk2_3_GIZ3j3s0vR9QwhEvmfilCHY7zpKDW2X-gHo_Y39uCHMnT6SqJDh6zA4bJI1FHDCcr1SDXLcMh61Bmg5dIKosBmgCAodDW294Ac2BFatM/s400/20180407_163442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the clearing just past the tower</td></tr>
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From there we made our descent. The woods were fairly open, I suppose allowing for lots of scent to travel because again Ty and Titus had their noses to the sky. On that side was also the only place we encountered thick ice as it cascaded over roots. Winter is barely hanging on!<u></u><u></u><br />
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We bottomed out and took Tower Road to Reservation Road to reach the cars.<u></u><u></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_E747-pzW-AI2blXza1WRs1756qxshYw0qSs0tN0Ox5xETzhJoqRoxJU1Z-pgQz0u8xLrWgXR696tmnqCq97Z6qxDYKnpmRHyMwu3KVrBhz-YlBQCPGFBARzvgA4o_lLt22KNG8pm-w/s1600/20180407_171056%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_E747-pzW-AI2blXza1WRs1756qxshYw0qSs0tN0Ox5xETzhJoqRoxJU1Z-pgQz0u8xLrWgXR696tmnqCq97Z6qxDYKnpmRHyMwu3KVrBhz-YlBQCPGFBARzvgA4o_lLt22KNG8pm-w/s320/20180407_171056%25280%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see a conversation of directions ;)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">As much as I originally wanted to summit a 4K, Pawtuckaway was exactly what we needed. I felt accomplished after the 8-point-something miles involving two smaller peaks, Ty got to run around like the crazy dingo she is, and it was another moderate but enjoyable challenge for Tango. We love this park because there is so much to explore, especially during the off season when it's quieter and dogs are permitted on more of the trails. We plan to return for more time around the marshes and boulders because Ty absolutely loves them, although we may wait til the porcupines are not just coming out of hibernation! It was a wonderful, strange trip with Hannah and her pups and I’m thrilled beyond words everyone had a fun time!</span></div>
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Trail Map from NH Parks: https://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/pdf/Pawtuckaway-Trail-Map.pdf<br />
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-35074857050233780262018-03-13T23:49:00.000-04:002018-03-14T00:06:38.311-04:00Snowshoeing Zealand Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyZOPitOI3FCU1veruNsbLELPfdqeWzCMsFWHMbRul6Oq2ZaSW0I5_wvG9-vSawSJZtG64z_-1R2Qfbm5NmwOxQOHpDHsB6bNvKRTjzXYvNl45SSbU0V2HjJAWv5COeSqUBdYzVc5giU/s1600/20180311_104256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyZOPitOI3FCU1veruNsbLELPfdqeWzCMsFWHMbRul6Oq2ZaSW0I5_wvG9-vSawSJZtG64z_-1R2Qfbm5NmwOxQOHpDHsB6bNvKRTjzXYvNl45SSbU0V2HjJAWv5COeSqUBdYzVc5giU/s640/20180311_104256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blog Gods please forgive me; it's been six months since my last post. I couldn't have made this one any easier for myself, hopefully as a reintroduction to regular reports!<br />
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On Sunday we met up with Hannah, Amy, and their furkids to hike up the seasonally closed Zealand Road off of Rt 302. Parking is about a quarter mile down the road on the opposite side of the highway at the Ammonoosuc Lower Falls Trailhead. I'm not sure if it is marked as such but, coming from the south, there is a sign warning hiking trails are coming up. This time of year, there's always a mix of pick up's trailering snomo's, the snow-covered vehicles of the hardy folk who camp at the hut, an us day-adventure types.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMb4XdvYotwKDprnjS0UOxW1x451ECHu73XhvjZ2skBnrPBwPQZ_pkvrquFKCQBuvXQN0O3Nm_WBQwlnWHrRBSrKkwsUeL-deedWTLUV5ERV-1Knub0d3rq1w5hxoLsvwzfD1Oo5SMes/s1600/20180313_220817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1600" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMb4XdvYotwKDprnjS0UOxW1x451ECHu73XhvjZ2skBnrPBwPQZ_pkvrquFKCQBuvXQN0O3Nm_WBQwlnWHrRBSrKkwsUeL-deedWTLUV5ERV-1Knub0d3rq1w5hxoLsvwzfD1Oo5SMes/s200/20180313_220817.jpg" width="200" /></a>Generally speaking, hikers and skiers walk along the edge of the snomo trail to get to Zealand Road. After the picnic area and bridge, the snomo trail veers to the left and the road goes up a hill. About a mile up, just before the bridge that precedes the Sugarloaf Trail, the road shares paths with snowmobiles once more.<br />
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We've always done our best to stick to the side during these junctions and the snomo drivers have always kindly given us a wide berth. Truly a mixed-usage trail success!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX6-bSgJqm_fFKW54XPY7tVmhh3iCZS8h3Y86wwtN14R067zsK_5OgkNcXVybMQ5z_jbHjh6O7TOUUM4DdxgVJc2tBsdIN_awdF8BsIR8aVle6oUTlyZp01OUKkWdutZsZ3_DHtlBit0/s1600/20180313_221048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX6-bSgJqm_fFKW54XPY7tVmhh3iCZS8h3Y86wwtN14R067zsK_5OgkNcXVybMQ5z_jbHjh6O7TOUUM4DdxgVJc2tBsdIN_awdF8BsIR8aVle6oUTlyZp01OUKkWdutZsZ3_DHtlBit0/s200/20180313_221048.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Of course, with the blizzard that's currently dumping snow on us, trail status is irrelevant so I share mostly to highlight the enjoyability of walking Zealand Road this time of year. Thanks to the hut and its suitability for crosscountry skiers, we've yet to break trail on the road. Snowshoes have always been our foot gear of choice here. <br />
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The road is gentle and elevation gain is minimal. For us, those qualities afforded the perfect opportunity for Ty to explore and feel accomplished while carefully building up Tango's mileage, in hopes he will want to join us for bigger adventures in the future. I'm thrilled that these 7.5 miles passed well and he was jovial and loose the next morning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_XGlg22ArNxTPUmU74uvQLVg_ER6G3KN7c4_Ka4sWEZqijHIi6p7-IvPe29F8zhBAb33BO85VGo3rND1o5b916jHde4Nb7yVcQs1dkExd9ekP75rZd2fbZhzOoe5IFCPJGu6fZaBBq4/s1600/20180312_190112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_XGlg22ArNxTPUmU74uvQLVg_ER6G3KN7c4_Ka4sWEZqijHIi6p7-IvPe29F8zhBAb33BO85VGo3rND1o5b916jHde4Nb7yVcQs1dkExd9ekP75rZd2fbZhzOoe5IFCPJGu6fZaBBq4/s320/20180312_190112.jpg" width="174" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wEgeoYQN20MvC1xE0E7akPpKMHlCa50EaAO5rjahaieaRfOa_kRV1U6-0xy3dChegP11YN0nY7i2gFuJTtoRraehUxf40HsKMIIU95aA_vb8NzJEA4T5zQT9UYhLXgmSq3EwNxwLmEo/s1600/20180313_220849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wEgeoYQN20MvC1xE0E7akPpKMHlCa50EaAO5rjahaieaRfOa_kRV1U6-0xy3dChegP11YN0nY7i2gFuJTtoRraehUxf40HsKMIIU95aA_vb8NzJEA4T5zQT9UYhLXgmSq3EwNxwLmEo/s320/20180313_220849.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Most of the road had one well-trodden route and a less packed but still broken out path running parallel. Hiking as a group, this was a nice feature that offered us the ability to break from the usual single file formation and/or pass easily. The road follows the river for much of the way and there are a couple of scenic breaks in the trees. Otherwise, the surrounding woods are pretty dense.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleds make great tracks to follow!</td></tr>
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Snowshoeing Zealand Road checks a lot of boxes: to gain confidence in the winter, to get outside on the days serious exertion isn't of interest, in a secluded area but you're not alone, and not too long nor too short. This is a pretty, non-dramatic hike where it's easy to become absorbed in good conversation and the airy peacefulness of the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lJoJ_BNU3idj3pgGF0xWj4jrYZqmp6RHIZR8YiQerIRdRd6WiAXzrg5HRl2LajZnFG92HIsX-BgG_I-I6OvKynrh5tY094npFcM3b_bqrmXWTxFkPuofGFM0YGhPdvmqILEXWdvKmro/s1600/20180312_184639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lJoJ_BNU3idj3pgGF0xWj4jrYZqmp6RHIZR8YiQerIRdRd6WiAXzrg5HRl2LajZnFG92HIsX-BgG_I-I6OvKynrh5tY094npFcM3b_bqrmXWTxFkPuofGFM0YGhPdvmqILEXWdvKmro/s320/20180312_184639.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for the easy way down?</td></tr>
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<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-88308589033247294722017-09-04T09:39:00.002-04:002021-12-21T20:49:42.391-05:00Chocorua and the Sisters (8/13/17)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J0pS3ICEShQsRJttC0WDenzRnVasphe3zVyJDOqRlr2m1ASpf_AqOkO1wQslXswoYniE3YHMOJBI8nJPn8275k9mDubVpzjvPz4lxMTLBdgEztZEHI7au1DcxQFDLIixdRkvE_B00c0/s1600/20170813_161340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J0pS3ICEShQsRJttC0WDenzRnVasphe3zVyJDOqRlr2m1ASpf_AqOkO1wQslXswoYniE3YHMOJBI8nJPn8275k9mDubVpzjvPz4lxMTLBdgEztZEHI7au1DcxQFDLIixdRkvE_B00c0/s640/20170813_161340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Route:</b></i> Champney Falls Tr - Champney Falls Cutoff - Middle Sister Tr - Piper Tr - Champney Falls Tr<br />
<i><b>Mileage:</b></i> appx. 9 mi<br />
<i><b>Elevation gain:</b></i> appx. 2500' <br />
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Happy September! I doubt we have many readers left after my gratuitous two month hiatus but thanks to those who are still around! We've been doing small hikes, lots of conditioning, and some training while not being on the computer very much, which I think is generally a good thing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HwBdMFtfmG_VXEshPiHmoY9oleav0FZR4Cw88i6LZTF8S1oQVpxn_pdjuy-Kvo9nJpgWispXGq4t_4FXIrHbUb5L3AHhL-W4f7WaymWa1bmcrW7AOBGfRa0QIOdm-gBHzr-72wnljgg/s1600/20170813_100952.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HwBdMFtfmG_VXEshPiHmoY9oleav0FZR4Cw88i6LZTF8S1oQVpxn_pdjuy-Kvo9nJpgWispXGq4t_4FXIrHbUb5L3AHhL-W4f7WaymWa1bmcrW7AOBGfRa0QIOdm-gBHzr-72wnljgg/s200/20170813_100952.jpg" width="200" /></a>Out of the large handful of unfinished drafts in my queue, I've chosen Chocorua & the Sisters somewhat randomly as the review to restart the blog and what a great hike it was! Chocorua was our first White Mountains hike a few years ago and, as I'll probably talk about in my next piece about Caps Ridge, time and experience really can affect perception!<br />
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Ty and I started at 8:15AM; I was aiming to not be there so early that we'd be waking up the critters and definitely early enough to beat the masses, as it was a gorgeous day that begged for a crowd.<br />
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We walked over the trickling stream, passed two people heading back, and smiled knowing we wouldn't see anyone else for awhile. The path was somewhere between single file and carriage road in width and generally easy walking. We gained elevation smoothly and almost unnoticeably. When we reached the side path for Champney Falls, we opted to take it for the water access. The price we paid was a rougher trail than before. While Ty merely looked irritated, I had to stop often to appreciate the step work done by trail builders and maintainers. However, she did enjoy tiptoeing close to the water as it spilled over the falls as I waited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to the Falls, right up the main path. Decisions, decisions.</td></tr>
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Returning to the main trail, we enjoyed the still moderately easy (by ascent standards) and decent footing, albeit a tad rockier than below the falls. It eventually transitioned to more rocks than not and we encountered the switchbacks that I found so exhausting years ago. They're interesting switchbacks, being very narrow as shown a few photos below below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8AvgxxZ-HxqOcJq936Kdq70BKwdTRBLrngHLFbUCkVgAtn7tfv5b1WKseMdAnA4qXxbFi3niYSWdZXD7Ti7P-uO03s8kardy5BHAOKMVE8AD99RjpRsPolctDnVsz-Zyjvtdd8uXSIM/s1600/20170813_090503.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8AvgxxZ-HxqOcJq936Kdq70BKwdTRBLrngHLFbUCkVgAtn7tfv5b1WKseMdAnA4qXxbFi3niYSWdZXD7Ti7P-uO03s8kardy5BHAOKMVE8AD99RjpRsPolctDnVsz-Zyjvtdd8uXSIM/s320/20170813_090503.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The progression towards rocky</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvmt-U8veh2z33JpH9qEKxY1uL_41XpIps3bS_E8BH72ea3Nj3SVBDpoL1adGdX1nY4DouV5kSW-cH2zDD_XP9ZQlAjrCkLEIHbTgk1-PbsdDxiXwOtmLx4lBGJ0w8frrOvbjYjxHXnA/s1600/20170813_090809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvmt-U8veh2z33JpH9qEKxY1uL_41XpIps3bS_E8BH72ea3Nj3SVBDpoL1adGdX1nY4DouV5kSW-cH2zDD_XP9ZQlAjrCkLEIHbTgk1-PbsdDxiXwOtmLx4lBGJ0w8frrOvbjYjxHXnA/s320/20170813_090809.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa4IS-to5j1eJ6JNjTwEP5XP1Y_yVpuyo86b_92-E0-cOj8JQXDQLfUDZMfxwoRI5-eYz46ChN6ktttu-Z0jixEue66dWGiE5ivlcrMpOgsPJ6tvO-RZAPa41sE8rHXcgN5_K3mHiRMY/s1600/20170813_091906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa4IS-to5j1eJ6JNjTwEP5XP1Y_yVpuyo86b_92-E0-cOj8JQXDQLfUDZMfxwoRI5-eYz46ChN6ktttu-Z0jixEue66dWGiE5ivlcrMpOgsPJ6tvO-RZAPa41sE8rHXcgN5_K3mHiRMY/s320/20170813_091906.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First vista</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz4VRh8knqOvo7xs_CZDaCOVech89jiFJZ7GY8bxfu9KcBnrtElq2jxYUsRIpqfPE5QN2x1z7EwQ2XWtlIVvw9WMh-nO0JBbx51fVIKpQiWso1D7PeNSluVkkVO7-wghUFG9NaVYFXks/s1600/20170813_093057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz4VRh8knqOvo7xs_CZDaCOVech89jiFJZ7GY8bxfu9KcBnrtElq2jxYUsRIpqfPE5QN2x1z7EwQ2XWtlIVvw9WMh-nO0JBbx51fVIKpQiWso1D7PeNSluVkkVO7-wghUFG9NaVYFXks/s320/20170813_093057.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aforementioned switchback</td></tr>
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When we hit the Champney Falls Cutoff, we veered left towards Middle Sister. The trail seemed much less traveled than the previous one and a nice change of scenery.<br />
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After powering up the mountain to keep to a time goal, we lost serious ground here. This trail is a gem hiding in plain sight! About halfway through the cutoff, we popped out on a little ledge with beautiful views and more blueberries than we could pick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrgiwP8isy3v8fY-dfLSyoGp37LCdPrHJ2JScG4al3G41l8Pi3GZRUe6_qODcFM6GzpliNI30kPqbfQ0zSrhXjAB7oVmz4VQvpZVHKBRlNADhke_uq7MVJq5iHQm7HAJoLxvp6sIX0OE/s1600/20170813_094718.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrgiwP8isy3v8fY-dfLSyoGp37LCdPrHJ2JScG4al3G41l8Pi3GZRUe6_qODcFM6GzpliNI30kPqbfQ0zSrhXjAB7oVmz4VQvpZVHKBRlNADhke_uq7MVJq5iHQm7HAJoLxvp6sIX0OE/s320/20170813_094718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking blueberries</td></tr>
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We finally decided to part with the blueberry bushes and walked the last few minutes up to Middle Sister Trail, another beaut!<br />
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At the summit of Middle Sister are some interesting structures that intrigued me and conjured mixed emotions for Ty.<br />
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From there we continued to the junction with Carter Ledge Trail. Along the way we encountered rougher sections, brief scrambles, and more gorgeous views. And yes, so many blueberries!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZGCmuI8dFAKZcw5SmWFVyeqKPxgi5mNC5guXuTicXuCGD7su1Grrot4K6LtKDIfw1iOo8ZUYyD2LgJdyhSW_n0IR03cASIV-nQnLIlbNrFDTrlzqhKKp-58pKxzUBCU855acxNi4VQQ/s1600/20170813_101945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZGCmuI8dFAKZcw5SmWFVyeqKPxgi5mNC5guXuTicXuCGD7su1Grrot4K6LtKDIfw1iOo8ZUYyD2LgJdyhSW_n0IR03cASIV-nQnLIlbNrFDTrlzqhKKp-58pKxzUBCU855acxNi4VQQ/s400/20170813_101945.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always taking in the views</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqUb1P1l7EylImJiuCNyEjzwi4Ungdl-gTfidN7l5NaucppH9qwB_Uys2ZRBxafR9pLsy8C6gZ72fmSVAL_ja5jT7RqUwRX6nqnY_sZIZ7c0PApPqqpK4jHuBrrxu2Ye038amwX2N3nU/s1600/20170813_102318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqUb1P1l7EylImJiuCNyEjzwi4Ungdl-gTfidN7l5NaucppH9qwB_Uys2ZRBxafR9pLsy8C6gZ72fmSVAL_ja5jT7RqUwRX6nqnY_sZIZ7c0PApPqqpK4jHuBrrxu2Ye038amwX2N3nU/s320/20170813_102318.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I constantly feel judged as she sits atop a scramble and waits for me</td></tr>
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From the junction, we backtracked to the Champney Falls Cutoff then continued straight on Middle Sister Trail towards Mt Chocorua. More mountain magic! I'll let the pictures do the explaining:<br />
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<i>(Middle Sister Tr between Champney Falls Cutoff and Piper Tr):</i><br />
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We took Piper up to the summit. The summit cone is so much bigger and more exposed than I realized and we did quite a bit of walking up open ledges. Ty was strangely unsure that morning, I think due to the wind, but we powered through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to break treeline</td></tr>
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In the back of my head, I had known for awhile we did not reach the official summit on our first visit (or at least I didn't, who knows what the dogs accomplished). We might've been mere feet away but it was our first bigger hike, it was characteristically busy and, without any inkling we'd be going for any hiking lists, we stopped at the first spot that looked good to have our summit snack. And so we finally scrambled up to the official summit marker on 8/13/17.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parkour!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow blazes were very helpful</td></tr>
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We didn't linger, as Ty definitely wasn't thrilled with the wind but we backtracked down Piper to walk a couple of girls back to their group. From there, we jogged as often as the terrain and flow of other hikers would allow, again opting to descend via the Falls. Our timing was decent and we managed to sneak between the late starters and first round of descenders. That being said, I can't wait to be back on a trail where the population comprises almost exclusively of avid hikers, not visitors out for a hike. I mean absolutely no offense meant to those who come out to enjoy the mountains on vacation or seasonally but there's an unspoken language within the hiking community that I miss, having mostly been doing small & unpopulated or "non-tourist" trails lately.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very last junction, perhaps 50 feet from the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely humoring me for a summit photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top (or a couple feet below it)</td></tr>
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After having memories of this hike (sans the Sisters) being challenging, it was a pleasant realization that Champney Falls is a really enjoyable trail, albeit a little steep for those only interested in the falls compared to other easier access ones like Sabbaday and Glen Ellis. I think at the time, my focus was all different and it was difficult. Today I consider it on the easier side of moderate for us. It is still a solid challenge for folks just beginning their hiking "career." And I see why it is a great starter peak with its incredible summit views. Visiting the Sisters first was the best, getting to enjoy almost 100% solitude before Chocorua and seeing it beyond the col. Pay close attention at junctions, especially towards the top; the signage is good but the markers are somewhat worn.<br />
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I've learned to appreciate terrain so much more than I used to and I think that new perspective and many more hikes under my belt, made this trip so much more fun than the first time. Up to the falls is pretty easy to navigate with almost unwavering consistency. The switchbacks and rocky sections from there to the ledges are tricky, especially because they're usually damp. The ledges vary from waves of smooth rocks to somewhat steep and demanding of caution. As far as pups are concerned, there aren't many reliable water sources past the falls. Along the ledges, there are places keeping an extra eye on a green trail dog is essential for their safety and that of others but below the trees, the terrain is pretty straightforward for four-paw-drive. My final note is the seasonality of this choice in trails: holy crap busy in the summer, probably too icy in the shoulder seasons and overall way more interesting than I gave it credit for!pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-70625273396342960832017-07-05T21:37:00.001-04:002017-07-05T22:02:41.106-04:00Small hikes, big views: Pine Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Rock</td></tr>
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Howdy! This is our first post since the spring and we've mostly been visiting the Belknaps and a couple excellently short, bang-for-your-buck hikes in the Whites. In doggy notes, Sage was adopted, we got to hike with Titus again, and Tango has been doing a couple sports for conditioning/strengthening while I search for a trainer to address Ty's excessively predatory behavior. To make a long story short, here's a quick-ish write up of one of our hikes back in May that I think is definitely worth consideration!<br />
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Pine Mountain in Gorham, NH seems to be a well-kept secret. While a surprising number of people arrived on the summit during our visit, the trails were quiet and I found very little literature on the interwebz about it. Other than the obscene amount of no see um's and other flying evil doers, it was an awesome hike!<br />
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A lollipop can be made of this summit from either Pinkham B or downtown Gorham in order to see all it has to offer but we did a short out-and-back from the former. The Horton Center is a religious retreat that owns a large portion of the land the trails winds through and graciously allows hikers access.<br />
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Most of our hiking was up the dirt road to the center and it was pretty darn nice! Where the trail departs the road is well signed and we were suddenly on a narrow trail in stark contrast to where we just were. We tip toed on a handful of bog bridges but didn't gain much elevation before reaching the trail's junction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzYUW4i1r9KY16GEHUFO8_r9AzWwquFscxhdxd32alFP5VCAkhN6GupWw5r-VzMulplSvOrGAzNlLouqcSntQe95fpexgX38bBrz2riuEfMNePU5WnjoPhLS00CE5LzzIoh2QMgzdj0/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY1r8-d9K5GWjXU5TsBWhon0eT8n1ReczwibdybPotNPE_PlqwNrAuNdrTDIQwhvavDfmyV4ErZy5g1_vqtUQXb7WnGw7ut4ZmKGyTQe3UFCNGdRtnJp2aMYb4KVDm7tFaeAe2UkybaE/s320/IMG_2701.JPG" width="320" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzYUW4i1r9KY16GEHUFO8_r9AzWwquFscxhdxd32alFP5VCAkhN6GupWw5r-VzMulplSvOrGAzNlLouqcSntQe95fpexgX38bBrz2riuEfMNePU5WnjoPhLS00CE5LzzIoh2QMgzdj0/s320/IMG_2718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>On the trail:</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGJMv0j5Zaq-7ktqgFBKIG1Buh5KG3Cv65N6uz4Gs1bVVYzzfcGDNNF85cADOSk-4z8oqx5F5Asg9UQjuCGdRLVObm2FAdRuCbNVJOwmgtj5_12_tjmUXOnLqunKwnfejBaCtfCLqRjI/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGJMv0j5Zaq-7ktqgFBKIG1Buh5KG3Cv65N6uz4Gs1bVVYzzfcGDNNF85cADOSk-4z8oqx5F5Asg9UQjuCGdRLVObm2FAdRuCbNVJOwmgtj5_12_tjmUXOnLqunKwnfejBaCtfCLqRjI/s320/IMG_2721.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
At the junction I failed to take a picture of, we opted to head straight up to the summit by taking a sharp right. Going straight ahead would've brought us closer to the center's grounds and Chapel Rock (pictured above due to formatting). Instead we got a nice view of it from the first viewpoint along a short, marked path off shooting from the trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZde50RD-Kn2_jE_tcVukqTYFmxM3xxFF580lML3UNZizRqCTSUFF3JKM7CSvr7j47FZDqqnpP4Xo1p4ZwC0iHruElbBl9r4BS81hzck6LKKEzUgwVANwWclJawb9FV6-SKlyECnHLYnQ/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZde50RD-Kn2_jE_tcVukqTYFmxM3xxFF580lML3UNZizRqCTSUFF3JKM7CSvr7j47FZDqqnpP4Xo1p4ZwC0iHruElbBl9r4BS81hzck6LKKEzUgwVANwWclJawb9FV6-SKlyECnHLYnQ/s320/IMG_2785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First viewpoint, shortly off the trail and well marked</td></tr>
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We stopped at most of the marked viewpoints as we walked along. The trail was enjoyably pretty through conifers, hemlock if I'm bold enough to guess. Footing was very nice and easily navigable. It was also a lower grade than the steepest parts of the road.<br />
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We took breaks due to the heat before and after the concrete remnants of an old summit tower and enjoyed the views from the ledgy section of trail that brought us to the south cliffs where many people could enjoy the views of 'the big mountains.' From there we crept down the smooth rock face, attempting to do the loop part of the hike. Despite seeing people come up from that direction, we just couldn't figure out where they had come from. Not overly interested in asking nor the climb that we sensed was likely on the other end, we opted to simply head back the way we'd come. It was certainly nice enough to repeat in reverse!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decent signage, we just couldn't seem to get the map in our brains to work that day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the south cliffs. Still some pockets of snow up high!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d5ev4HtTn7x5lRCAPgCiqIwpOrToiMtPOlIGviNuzFvSPxqg-OhO7F2-_9YrspQxEe2JhEZphgsa0kZNudQe5T4jHzCob_Z19nbWZolTQn4CkY_uOWzFjKfJkBVUqds8B7MUqG0rsl0/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d5ev4HtTn7x5lRCAPgCiqIwpOrToiMtPOlIGviNuzFvSPxqg-OhO7F2-_9YrspQxEe2JhEZphgsa0kZNudQe5T4jHzCob_Z19nbWZolTQn4CkY_uOWzFjKfJkBVUqds8B7MUqG0rsl0/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view of Pinkham Notch we don't often see!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM16dGL1xRK5hD8NPX76hcK8nIjApaHUgGrBEgHaiBYEXN2hJRdfeHMaJJgeuYasUvKCxL6EbmB5M2srr0tvZdPH3rOyyH5xjvk9iy03gXv-SBS9UQryodVFFRcd9FCLTJeG319a90DL4/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM16dGL1xRK5hD8NPX76hcK8nIjApaHUgGrBEgHaiBYEXN2hJRdfeHMaJJgeuYasUvKCxL6EbmB5M2srr0tvZdPH3rOyyH5xjvk9iy03gXv-SBS9UQryodVFFRcd9FCLTJeG319a90DL4/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more views behind us!</td></tr>
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<i>Where to go?</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8PFsmYdXywj9MVd4-SeCrbnrWgS4xPaCcBMmxbQpmnbrDykrN6JlfXXcASNbyp4E5LtOgfVZxxxfXtc2QOgMaU94EuhXLAu2jqRAo4knPMOZFfFCLvCVF3ZhnrxfV9cfbA1hM9DZxP8/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8PFsmYdXywj9MVd4-SeCrbnrWgS4xPaCcBMmxbQpmnbrDykrN6JlfXXcASNbyp4E5LtOgfVZxxxfXtc2QOgMaU94EuhXLAu2jqRAo4knPMOZFfFCLvCVF3ZhnrxfV9cfbA1hM9DZxP8/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing the prospects</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips0m1Gm83b06xDX3X64HwXp39ayedcli6vmZk2UON-Q1GR8gKDuWXi8NpL8rKF71pU3qOFKrChmiQc730aFwRWiIZ5IN9evhGMdtSF9i6eIr-xAF8wrXIptegBxUppK27o4VK2_4nOJw/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips0m1Gm83b06xDX3X64HwXp39ayedcli6vmZk2UON-Q1GR8gKDuWXi8NpL8rKF71pU3qOFKrChmiQc730aFwRWiIZ5IN9evhGMdtSF9i6eIr-xAF8wrXIptegBxUppK27o4VK2_4nOJw/s320/IMG_3006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring one possibility</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYz8fK7EI89QdUI3ziN7oX8xg9OwxONo4BRE31l9hWsESfOc71xXBFKEJEzIcU4F2n5oGLTEphuEV0fLqzCmEEkRhdmsTZZATwi6SQYZ15Fy_FbQUCmZBN-a9wyUMlzS353EDgdbCBAI/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYz8fK7EI89QdUI3ziN7oX8xg9OwxONo4BRE31l9hWsESfOc71xXBFKEJEzIcU4F2n5oGLTEphuEV0fLqzCmEEkRhdmsTZZATwi6SQYZ15Fy_FbQUCmZBN-a9wyUMlzS353EDgdbCBAI/s320/IMG_3009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail ladies say if it ain't the right way, we're moving on so hurry up!</td></tr>
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I don't have much to report about the descent. I bounced ideas off of Hannah about Ty's deer chasing, we watched the dogs' gaits for issues, and were slightly less attacked by bugs than on the way up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIbnwhpn9suN_Crg1NQP5g3WorXQ544Hkvz-XB5gGTnN3s0_2-PTfxsd3eR3weZumbx8WfzRxJdfnlxYjce9GLiwT9lOZ5GZAIduVJ9cT-fJLpEXlS9s7eYfB1vECICM8FMeS0umyJwY/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIbnwhpn9suN_Crg1NQP5g3WorXQ544Hkvz-XB5gGTnN3s0_2-PTfxsd3eR3weZumbx8WfzRxJdfnlxYjce9GLiwT9lOZ5GZAIduVJ9cT-fJLpEXlS9s7eYfB1vECICM8FMeS0umyJwY/s200/IMG_2889.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Mountain is foster pup approved!</td></tr>
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Coming in at a fun-filled three miles, it was a perfect hike for the day since we were already up there and we elongated the duration by meandering. If done as a loop it will be a bit more depending on which direction one comes from. It's absolutely worth the views; I can't say enough about that! Writing this well after the fact, I don't recall many water sources except in the shallow trench alongside the road and believe it or not, I did run out of water! The grade and footing are very "active senior" and "recovering dog" friendly. I've probably said that before about rockier trails but I speak the truth on this one! I harbored a little nervousness about Ty in the less-traveled woods but it was truly a great hike for everyone. We followed the signs and found it easy to get to our primary goal but I managed to confuse myself about the loop business. Something to explore for next time!<br />
<br />
<i>Pine Mountain resources: </i><br />
<br />
WMNF trail description: <cite class="_Rm">https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5365158.pdf</cite><br />
<br />
<cite class="_Rm"> </cite>1 Happy Hiker report: https://1happyhiker.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-little-loop-hike-to-pine-mountain.html<br />
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Section Hiker report from downtown Gorham: https://sectionhiker.com/a-winter-hike-up-pine-mountain/ <br />
<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-64510326997916766782017-04-25T21:46:00.000-04:002017-05-30T13:21:23.487-04:00Mt Liberty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmzbn7_U6FN744muwBtYwQvVpVpMxDRT6v6Edk7R7xKhTmU0mr11AleKROn4-osNdUb0XYhoFyTAHhFyvuOVvj70Mj3Ag1jd6K2x_F8jwpuZir406Wzspq1axEIieQKT-B55XQgXqXo/s1600/IMG_0271+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmzbn7_U6FN744muwBtYwQvVpVpMxDRT6v6Edk7R7xKhTmU0mr11AleKROn4-osNdUb0XYhoFyTAHhFyvuOVvj70Mj3Ag1jd6K2x_F8jwpuZir406Wzspq1axEIieQKT-B55XQgXqXo/s640/IMG_0271+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Route: </i>Recreation Trail - Liberty Spring Trail - Franconia Ridge (in and out)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Distance: </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 mi</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Duration: </i>5.5 hours including all breaks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Elevation Gain: </i>3250'</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Back to reality after a spectacular day hiking Liberty with the girls on Sunday. We started at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1069994124" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:35</span></span> from the Flume Visitor Center/Rec Trail. Our timing was perfect all day in regards to the weather and passing fellow hikers, meeting just enough folks to enjoy some chit chat without making the girls too uncomfortable with the delays. Every Carolina Dog-type I’ve ever hiked with is an impatient, trail-focused peakbagger!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T38XBfg6fM4MfqUWUS78tIEZJyCnaTvhwvjbyRdHq6GzRk5ZHnYDx8pBBjvbvjdls74snZU0sDVDEXctAAsbuHgCpTr77MJdcJoBtK6UdRbC7pguoSGPqUSwKzqC_m-gP6O7aVE2ge4/s1600/IMG_9916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T38XBfg6fM4MfqUWUS78tIEZJyCnaTvhwvjbyRdHq6GzRk5ZHnYDx8pBBjvbvjdls74snZU0sDVDEXctAAsbuHgCpTr77MJdcJoBtK6UdRbC7pguoSGPqUSwKzqC_m-gP6O7aVE2ge4/s200/IMG_9916.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The Rec Trail was almost entirely bare of snow and is a nice rolling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>warm-up. Shortly after the second </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">bridge was the beginning of the Liberty Spring Trail and Ty immediately found it. She scampered off ahead while I did my best to keep a good pace for Sage. I don’t know how I’m going to handle inclines once she gets adopted; <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we've become nicely in s<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ync <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with her moderate, steady pulling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> powering us <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">forward</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>! With her assistance, we <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reached</span> the junction with the Flume Slide Trail <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1069994125" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">in 20 minute<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I enjoyed the relative ease of the trail with<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> i<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ts <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">easy<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-moderate grades and good footing</span></span></span></span></span></span>. U<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pon referring to my 4000 Footers book<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the trail design made sense as it was an old <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">logging road.</span></span></span> Inevitably, with the weather we’ve had and brilliant morning sun, th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ere was</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a lo<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t</span></span> of mud and puddles along the trail.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjmHjHLBqfVzvDBS4olAMo8PeNsff3ZtLe3kPsIeAgiBI2f1kn_g4zsQXg71LVYPFGGf87LMBJgLxWWnbvTNKTDVEHVfwc7vTBwNt6IAWWKDK4OwWNGysbRFoxz2rwamBUHd8w9XAaEY/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjmHjHLBqfVzvDBS4olAMo8PeNsff3ZtLe3kPsIeAgiBI2f1kn_g4zsQXg71LVYPFGGf87LMBJgLxWWnbvTNKTDVEHVfwc7vTBwNt6IAWWKDK4OwWNGysbRFoxz2rwamBUHd8w9XAaEY/s320/IMG_9984.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The puddles turned to running water <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">walking up the hill af<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ter the trail intersection before</span> drying out a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bit</span></span>. Approaching <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2000' </span> we began to see the first signs of monorail. They were quickly melting, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">truncated </span>sections that were easy to walk around or over, being slippery but not icy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The only water crossing more than a one-step came at 1.9 mi/2050'. It wasn’t too bad (Ty did it several times) but with a clumsy human with way too much gear for her pack’s dimensions and a leashed dog wary of running water, it took some time to get us across but we did it without any tantrums or splashing. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most crossings</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one that challenged Sage and I</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Then up and over the first staircase, through some more open hardwoods with a nice leafy cover before the real work began.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Around 2500' (appx 2.25 mi) the tree cover becomes denser and the snow’s recession <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was</span> dramatically less than below. I’d already dumped my snowshoes a few hundred yards back (they’re really, really not needed) and had opted <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to bring</span> my Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro’s for traction. I knew the snow would be of the slushy, melting variety and with the extra pull of Sage being hooked to me, I preferred them over my Kahtoolah’s. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ladies scan the forest while I put on traction</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">And then the work began. I wouldn’t call the trail “steep.” It’s no scramble. But it was a “one step in front of the other” kind of trudge for awhile. I gave myself a pat on the back for remembering my trekking poles and again seriously questioned my ability to go upwards sans 1-dogpower. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the evergreens, the ultralight dusting from the night before was melting off the trees, giving the impression it was raining beneath bluebird skies. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">At appx 3000' (if I'm remembering my GPS's unmarked waypoints correctly!), the grade lessened. Not considerably but enough of a reprieve to be thankful for and I started thinking we should be seeing signs for the tentsite soon. And happily, we did, as I was getting a little tired of the trees raining on us. The tentsite is reached after 3.4 miles of hiking at 3870'.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another 10 minutes and we reached the ridge, where the trail signs showed just how much snow is still left.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Have I mentioned how much I love ridges?! Magical. It’s the only word I have. The blue sky, the low trees with moss and rime hanging off them, it’s enchanting. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ty posing with her new buddies</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gazing across the Pemi Wilderness to Washington</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gazing down the notch between Cannon and Lafayette</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Liberty has been on my mind for awhile, it felt so good to finally capture this photo!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It wasn’t long before we reached the ledge from which the standard Mt Liberty picture is taken from and I tried unsuccessfully to get the girls to pose. Ty was especially upset about something; I believe she may have slipped into the krummohlz while hiking ahead with a faster pair. In any case once I abandoned my picture-taking for forward motion, and she was fine. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">We traversed a very short, narrow, and slippery monorail for a minute then walked up the open ledge to the summit. The smooth rock is free of snow but the sections in between are still snowy.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking down at the open ledge leading to the summit. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's not as steep as it looks,</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were treated to minimal breezes, bright sunshine, and the company of only two other (very tolerant and cool) people at the summit. The girls humored my skipping around taking pictures and trying to pose them, whined a bit while I snacked, then finally settled a wee bit once a couple groups arrived. They really outdid themselves allowing me to sprawl out on a rock and enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes. A couple of other dogs arrived and I was too lazy to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">leash T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y so I could close my eyes</span></span> so I opted to pack up. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sweeping view of Franconia Ridge east over over to the mountains of southern Maine</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Large, open summit</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flume</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ski slopes of Loon</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nothing much to report about the descent. It was quick and fun and I finally just couldn’t go any faster so Ty had to slow down for me. The lower section of Liberty Spring Trail was quite a bit drier than the morning but with the rain that's falling as I type, that's bound to change.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZERI0k30JtRf13v4PQfksP_whBzF2A94eGIa1zH9dIGThEDPicHq0WvvN4UPDFzkdqKuUhLFIledaHJRMaNh-fRD-P2ESdyUwHrmlvQ74tNV9QB48lzHRWXXGKopZFS_yGfgrZ2Bvr4/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jogging buddies</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mRLpU5JmSlN7sYp90XdSqjbivOzRPxI8C_Y_ci0LtMhp7GTS_p6RS7bZdTPxsI6dUs8BLssXWFyUH7w5hiQaVpU6szkQewJOQa9zChyphenhyphen9yS8Cput6BYWKrITR3sYpdqz1Mqq0DWGxDMM/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mRLpU5JmSlN7sYp90XdSqjbivOzRPxI8C_Y_ci0LtMhp7GTS_p6RS7bZdTPxsI6dUs8BLssXWFyUH7w5hiQaVpU6szkQewJOQa9zChyphenhyphen9yS8Cput6BYWKrITR3sYpdqz1Mqq0DWGxDMM/s320/IMG_0511.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Liberty was a perfect progression in difficulty as we try to get back into bigger hikes and the conditions right now</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> –</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>perfecto! Between the warm weather and clear, wet ground switching to stable monorail, many different clothing combinations will work. I saw people without traction but microspikes or similar are strongly recommended. Snowshoes – not needed! I spoke to a few folks who went over to Flume and they said they weren’t needed in the col either, just stay on the monorail. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then there are the views. I didn’t know where to point my camera nor where to end a pano shot<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span> Nothing but 360* of breathtaking views<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> As for the girls, they were in heaven. Lots to sniff, engaging trail features, not too strenuous, and a good trip to have a dog on a leash without worrying about being dragged into a boulder or over a cliff. The summit has some steep drops but the rocks on the south side create a natural barrier and there’s thick trees elsewhere. Plus the girls have solid instincts. Very solid, in fact, I couldn’t get Ty to go anywhere near the edge for a photo. It’s a nice open summit and since we were lucky enough to beat the crowd, it’s a really nice place for pups to wander within reason. I surmise a lot of folks were over on Washington due to the nice weather and I’m fine with that, it was nice to see folks on the trail but it reminded me that summer and crowds are coming and I’ve definitely become the awkward chick on the trail!</span></span></div>
pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-56482722378626493432017-03-20T22:14:00.000-04:002017-03-23T18:18:31.214-04:00Ending Winter on Potash<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRC7NJP-lclU-D1htgYSDHofjd6_kICRzhTmTIMM0caPXS8Hyg4jLU-IrLVFCfV8QX860auwLlt_epSTU6ZROvTUa2QUq8cXXsmnTqF1mM-bOKteoSyrKtp0b0pA3c4nAJogesjBNRdg/s1600/IMG_7969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRC7NJP-lclU-D1htgYSDHofjd6_kICRzhTmTIMM0caPXS8Hyg4jLU-IrLVFCfV8QX860auwLlt_epSTU6ZROvTUa2QUq8cXXsmnTqF1mM-bOKteoSyrKtp0b0pA3c4nAJogesjBNRdg/s640/IMG_7969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Summit view</i></td></tr>
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*Written Sunday, March 19, published Monday, March 20<br />
**I realize the chances of success here but I lost a Wonderwoman pin on Sunday's hike. It has a lot of emotional value and shouldn't be polluting the beautiful mountains. Please comment if found!<br />
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Quick-ish report today!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water crossing</td></tr>
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We finally got to hike Potash to close out the official winter hiking season and YES the brook<br />
crossing is bridged!<br />
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To get right to the point, Potash is a great little climb! It's 4.4 miles roundtrip and covers about 1500 ft of elevation gain (give or take depending on the source) through open hardwoods and later, semi-open conifers. <br />
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After strolling up the hill from the parking area, we began the hike with ease. The trail was flat and moderately curvy in an enchanting way. About .4 mi in is the infamous water crossing. My understanding is there is some sort of workaround but I was relieved that it was completely passable via a sturdy snow bridge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water crossing poses</td></tr>
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Beyond the crossing, the trail continued rather leisurely, rolling along as we slowly gained elevation. <br />
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Along the way, we crossed some sort of old road. I assume it was used for logging based on the meadow of new growth and brush to the west. I was surprised snowmobiles don't use it. It's the type of road I want to find more of and more info about so that Tango can accompany us. It's a tricky balance between his needs and Ty's safety (remote, flat treks offer little challenge for her so she tends to "find" entertainment.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">begging to be broken out!</td></tr>
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The trees transitioned to conifers and we started experiencing steeper inclines. They began to outnumber the flat ones and I was happy I had both televators on my snowshoes and foster pup Sage pulling me along!<br />
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Perhaps a quarter mile or so below the summit (guessing) we encountered the one narrow ledge I'd read about awhile ago and Sage quickly realized staying on the trail is wise. Back into the woods, the "ups" and flats alternated until we reached what I'm assuming is ledges. The wintertime translation was open spaces with sporadic, shorter trees, and the first vistas of the hike. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life on the dangerous side! It is steeper than it looks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the ledge heading down the mountain</td></tr>
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A little further up we went before reaching the summit. It's a beautiful area, enough room for a few hikers to spread out without trampling anything fragile (in non-snow covered months). I've never hiked anywhere that gave me a view of the Kanc heading west and I found that very intriguing. The view swept west and pretty far north as well, with Washington the last visible peak before the trees. I tried to use my new peak identification app but missed a necessary download... next time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whiteface and Passaconaway?</td></tr>
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<i><b>Summit:</b></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Mr. Washington!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbSyuJ41uYTe4qDupzxKg0489lsnAEmiZDOKbvtEdOzNf4THbtffO4J8XxaGR2ECJhoQc1zjfO5md8brJJ5gCI0v8NWnoBgRj5yavHfqbnRKRL9e2raGgHI0j1hkAhWPYYmPlsP1Hi1s/s1600/IMG_7974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbSyuJ41uYTe4qDupzxKg0489lsnAEmiZDOKbvtEdOzNf4THbtffO4J8XxaGR2ECJhoQc1zjfO5md8brJJ5gCI0v8NWnoBgRj5yavHfqbnRKRL9e2raGgHI0j1hkAhWPYYmPlsP1Hi1s/s320/IMG_7974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west towards Franconia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbomHkR2qzyM6wnRFcPQoh5xeCU4iPr2tSc3xj4I_CBVBSzYJhjYwvGJjc2pFUNLVvmPuzchPMKVNCWNPDTEOwsCkA_zUZE4LFOi-KfzqoXg1UOyI_q9XFlkB8xIDMHRFvAjIWrQHcV4/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbomHkR2qzyM6wnRFcPQoh5xeCU4iPr2tSc3xj4I_CBVBSzYJhjYwvGJjc2pFUNLVvmPuzchPMKVNCWNPDTEOwsCkA_zUZE4LFOi-KfzqoXg1UOyI_q9XFlkB8xIDMHRFvAjIWrQHcV4/s320/IMG_7992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They question my need for summit photos</td></tr>
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Despite my best efforts (I really wanted to enjoy the atmosphere during the descent!), we jogged until the grade nearly reached zero. I'm pretty easy to please when we're in the mountains so, of course, I hike the dog's hike. About 40 minutes later, we were at the car, finished too soon, but still grinning ear to ear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcd1-A5cGM8VD-PTYdvTMyfjnYa55xZjrl5G_yFi1w9N042auRZb9dI-o2aTcN6ArrlVckmQPr9xN9SZl8iMy_M24zTrAEEISPK6JJtTQJwd_xJkIv-T9ND74aUh2gnOPW1fnHYr8MZY/s1600/IMG_8007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcd1-A5cGM8VD-PTYdvTMyfjnYa55xZjrl5G_yFi1w9N042auRZb9dI-o2aTcN6ArrlVckmQPr9xN9SZl8iMy_M24zTrAEEISPK6JJtTQJwd_xJkIv-T9ND74aUh2gnOPW1fnHYr8MZY/s320/IMG_8007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1w7c5w_PDoDnEkJ3xEQStWE5pxRi_ZlaFEm6Oe_gZ9CHum4quZujkx7N67L-oGJEEwRc0BEX__sXQN2KR5GYlEPrGI-r1LxLLyDAVJo1MutwQtG-BSyVHszTJd8XSVFXddPGdIsjT4c/s1600/IMG_7963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1w7c5w_PDoDnEkJ3xEQStWE5pxRi_ZlaFEm6Oe_gZ9CHum4quZujkx7N67L-oGJEEwRc0BEX__sXQN2KR5GYlEPrGI-r1LxLLyDAVJo1MutwQtG-BSyVHszTJd8XSVFXddPGdIsjT4c/s200/IMG_7963.JPG" width="200" /></a>Despite a gloomy forecast and morale, we ended up with bluebird skies and temperatures in the upper <br />
30's, no wind, and lots of smiles. The trail is beautifully broken out, thank you to those before us! We couldn't have asked for better weather for our last winter hike of the season and it really highlighted the beauty of the woods. The open hardwoods present for the first part of the hike allowed the light to pour in and keep me warm before exertion took care of that. I'm easily mystified and the road crossing piqued my interest, as did the variety of animal tracks we found. Into the pines, the noontime light gleamed on the pine needles in the most beautiful way my photography skills can't do justice to. Though plenty steep to offer a good, albeit short, challenge, Potash was an immensely enjoyable hike. We did it in about 2hr10min but could've slowed down to enjoy more of the mountain's charisma or, if we were ambitious, hopped over to visit Hedgehog. But alas, I had "grown up commitments" to tend to so we headed home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiNJilEMNJ46Pft2kK1XAtYWBZWcKMpGLkeojh1AbXnhW5M1JDQHBhMECBpIbSbHDkzlwA8fb19nGZLTYjwrYNu_NmuVzHEDNOL8yAuOzH4Cd5N0YniEVVa0h1egB0rcCB9z9Bw3vTEo/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiNJilEMNJ46Pft2kK1XAtYWBZWcKMpGLkeojh1AbXnhW5M1JDQHBhMECBpIbSbHDkzlwA8fb19nGZLTYjwrYNu_NmuVzHEDNOL8yAuOzH4Cd5N0YniEVVa0h1egB0rcCB9z9Bw3vTEo/s320/IMG_7998.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until next time!</td></tr>
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<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-55015214017324876092017-03-13T22:36:00.003-04:002017-03-13T23:20:35.044-04:00Wandering Chocorua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN53BsSOkf6fIh99iVqqtjqOV2s_t3b2qvoHOPCPuRSwWynnDL6OSs3EVAncl5qRfc7qqbkMvyP3pRTTkOzvUeSHTIZRtg5uMXrfooFmRj2iayIzMMY-5XKtSCjBQaSb8eDmRKtAmq5_I/s1600/IMG_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN53BsSOkf6fIh99iVqqtjqOV2s_t3b2qvoHOPCPuRSwWynnDL6OSs3EVAncl5qRfc7qqbkMvyP3pRTTkOzvUeSHTIZRtg5uMXrfooFmRj2iayIzMMY-5XKtSCjBQaSb8eDmRKtAmq5_I/s320/IMG_7247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I often like to do a lot of recon before a hike. Other times I do a bit but sort of wing it, usually in places I'm somewhat familiar. Today (now yesterday) was a totally winging it kind of day as Amy and I met up with the dogs, initially to be disappointed with the parking options at the base of our originally planned hike. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjOupqPV8J5xpq2jI6rhxyybcKe1Ih2bOazXdtPmP9tMY01nzrgyHydRwx9IN-uTL8S2eVnzugqhGxlH5cMxw2kD722zzQiY53qBE-HJGF0MBPZGtqZXI0UGq6Q9SzQrGLvqOT3cv6t8/s1600/IMG_7322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjOupqPV8J5xpq2jI6rhxyybcKe1Ih2bOazXdtPmP9tMY01nzrgyHydRwx9IN-uTL8S2eVnzugqhGxlH5cMxw2kD722zzQiY53qBE-HJGF0MBPZGtqZXI0UGq6Q9SzQrGLvqOT3cv6t8/s200/IMG_7322.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sage and Audrey, reunited!</td></tr>
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After quickly reviewing alternatives, we traveled down Rt 16 to Scott Road in Tamworth with the intention of heading up Hammond Trail, hopefully at least to the Jim Liberty Cabin. While warmer temperatures and lower winds were in the afternoon forecast, at 9:00AM, it was still in the single digits with some cold gusts so neither of us necessarily had our hearts set on a summit but I was hoping for some sort of closure for Ty - the cabin, a ledge, something that would give her a good turnaround point (because she is a true peakbagger and is very expressive about turning around for what she considers "no reason")!<br />
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The lot is small and thankfully we were the only ones there. From the start, micros were absolutely perfect for the entirety of the hike. The ground was generally hard packed snow. Perhaps there wasn't a lot of traffic on this trail throughout the winter because it is almost level with the melting around it - no monorail. Plenty of spots were down to the leaves with only a dusting on top as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W-MWtz9M_ZHDCg00An71zBrSR7UIdL5o-FHsoFckmxpGkCX4TT5JJSOPvvuZawgoMANf_ALTzymTdSI4H2p-7Zd7jSKXbgIKAIIBRagFACLU0VGvp8hjILeNP37NtXh8lOABBz52ONo/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W-MWtz9M_ZHDCg00An71zBrSR7UIdL5o-FHsoFckmxpGkCX4TT5JJSOPvvuZawgoMANf_ALTzymTdSI4H2p-7Zd7jSKXbgIKAIIBRagFACLU0VGvp8hjILeNP37NtXh8lOABBz52ONo/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYI8-OY2mylWagiVpbeQ06bGyzK3AToGFjhv69yH04_3_3C7BOdxW_WdoWu6vTfo7sFUcn26Y9vbnG9CvRfmiFsIJsH3lQA2_6A0A33cZuPg18-6K-aBwSKdeUiH_j7BUyb1eXweNWZs/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYI8-OY2mylWagiVpbeQ06bGyzK3AToGFjhv69yH04_3_3C7BOdxW_WdoWu6vTfo7sFUcn26Y9vbnG9CvRfmiFsIJsH3lQA2_6A0A33cZuPg18-6K-aBwSKdeUiH_j7BUyb1eXweNWZs/s320/IMG_7215.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up....</td></tr>
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Within a half mile or so, the trail crossed a brook twice, the second of the crossings being a little difficult for the dogs because the few rocks available for hopping were coated in glassy ice. For once, we humans had the advantage!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4N9Sv6gly5qhnj-FszywYin7QUJWpeI5jE3bdBrV4V1uXiEtjL6JTNvq8G-b8TRdw-DWn-Cui38AVXUIoq-4MEJ4c-vJ_xbj-J33ly7w_c6zhADeiigpGhVKJRvPIBVBbV7hiYrPQxk/s1600/IMG_7303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4N9Sv6gly5qhnj-FszywYin7QUJWpeI5jE3bdBrV4V1uXiEtjL6JTNvq8G-b8TRdw-DWn-Cui38AVXUIoq-4MEJ4c-vJ_xbj-J33ly7w_c6zhADeiigpGhVKJRvPIBVBbV7hiYrPQxk/s320/IMG_7303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tail of two sides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ03M_EnUSA6A5j24-ET_DEg9_b2zVtsxGJq_jaT2XfG7Bc69_t7oUI_62T_0eiBbp50C1M8ijmVnHhVV3KTQfa3mgexsV1Q_RozDAA7K5ipJ54mEcw3bysCP55lTEB01k6iylkcH-xtk/s1600/IMG_7301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ03M_EnUSA6A5j24-ET_DEg9_b2zVtsxGJq_jaT2XfG7Bc69_t7oUI_62T_0eiBbp50C1M8ijmVnHhVV3KTQfa3mgexsV1Q_RozDAA7K5ipJ54mEcw3bysCP55lTEB01k6iylkcH-xtk/s320/IMG_7301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second and trickier crossing for the dogs <br />
due to the icy, rounded rocks</td></tr>
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Another quarter mile later, as we began ascending a gentle hill, the trail was intersected by what I thought at the time was a carriage road. Upon returning home and doing some research, it appears to have been a logging road, which I find interesting because I didn't see the evidence of logging I'm accustomed to and it shared characteristics with the few carriage roads turned trails we've hiked. That being said, many of my experiences with logging roads involve recent harvesting and that particular road could be much, much older. For example, Lincoln Woods was logged heavily from my understanding and it's unnoticeable to me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxUhHH5hLP0CbrRPfPFIlY_gYsFmhGY9hR07GzwvopVKNXBIYfPkHNpkMAesjXaFXK2VRI9pjlerU8rqEb3_uG6DzSDfdonD9MyH6xUbcaCPLsfx8KcYNtId3XymgUGjPqafEAlQYDz4/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxUhHH5hLP0CbrRPfPFIlY_gYsFmhGY9hR07GzwvopVKNXBIYfPkHNpkMAesjXaFXK2VRI9pjlerU8rqEb3_uG6DzSDfdonD9MyH6xUbcaCPLsfx8KcYNtId3XymgUGjPqafEAlQYDz4/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful open hardwoods was the <br />
predominant habitat of the hiked area</td></tr>
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At that point, half the dogs were migrating up the road instead of the marked Hammond Trail. In light of their enthusiasm and knowing it'd be better footing and consistent grade for Tango, who is about to start PT, we decided to follow them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE51sR1XDFX_JSsyqd-gk9-WQRG5c3vkY1Ha-_NeXahrcOCMSZgbBmqCNh6nVm8ewkT5nZh-F9_iY-dutoYy71yjJ4EJltdEKS6Ukq8L2oRuhUhiT0jX4C4h7MxugFVq7TniDu_pJbx1M/s1600/IMG_7231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE51sR1XDFX_JSsyqd-gk9-WQRG5c3vkY1Ha-_NeXahrcOCMSZgbBmqCNh6nVm8ewkT5nZh-F9_iY-dutoYy71yjJ4EJltdEKS6Ukq8L2oRuhUhiT0jX4C4h7MxugFVq7TniDu_pJbx1M/s320/IMG_7231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail shenanigans</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone a critter expert and know what happened here?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFJiqOemcEVQ8S-gMd8PTYXIn7JpwxCy_ADuZtFHXgATp1Cjn4eloEYOuxg8OQQG14vBg-ZxUQabUMGH1sMH9EruwhbpCGisV3ap6XPW07iK8atfCPaER0Qlf0nZVBvbz5ha2kAIXcQA/s1600/imgonline-com-ua-twotoone-mIqm34Z2COwj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFJiqOemcEVQ8S-gMd8PTYXIn7JpwxCy_ADuZtFHXgATp1Cjn4eloEYOuxg8OQQG14vBg-ZxUQabUMGH1sMH9EruwhbpCGisV3ap6XPW07iK8atfCPaER0Qlf0nZVBvbz5ha2kAIXcQA/s400/imgonline-com-ua-twotoone-mIqm34Z2COwj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature beginning to reclaim the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVes7ny-Lb_VW-mwspjNMvA6Z0HQ5jo905nhKGZVYrpKV9VglT1YtsjJsS-uisO9SU0PzyclPAvCGByRTPSB-KIfp2CxRbIDY-YnH3JL3jS4IHrRflPHvL4_yQ5H-ISV2LZVz_oHxlQS4/s1600/IMG_7254+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVes7ny-Lb_VW-mwspjNMvA6Z0HQ5jo905nhKGZVYrpKV9VglT1YtsjJsS-uisO9SU0PzyclPAvCGByRTPSB-KIfp2CxRbIDY-YnH3JL3jS4IHrRflPHvL4_yQ5H-ISV2LZVz_oHxlQS4/s320/IMG_7254+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just have to post a profile shot of Ty that shows off her awesome new <br />
Body Warmer <a href="https://www.hurtta.com/global_en/" target="_blank">Hurtta</a> was kind enough to send to us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xevvfhU_pPO-Qq8HDJTvsrJWYtQ43u3qGKfPNN_4Qsr_kLOjLkQQPUvvslFmM-Hp-jhY2xOpAG-zIBDmp6Elo1bL1TuCggflTzgGqknI5YY9iuRvTcmczBthv_6wBw2E_sby20_-j94/s1600/IMG_7259+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xevvfhU_pPO-Qq8HDJTvsrJWYtQ43u3qGKfPNN_4Qsr_kLOjLkQQPUvvslFmM-Hp-jhY2xOpAG-zIBDmp6Elo1bL1TuCggflTzgGqknI5YY9iuRvTcmczBthv_6wBw2E_sby20_-j94/s320/IMG_7259+%25282%2529.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
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The logging road followed the river high along a ridge for awhile and predominantly through hardwoods that creaked in the cold, throwing me off on more than one occasion. Despite the mellow grade, we gained some appreciable elevation as it wound up the mountainside, something that became very apparent as the wind hit us more powerfully!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMUvolfJyrULwZ_gOdGfn_YvLg0V6SHBq-u68ubnDwItQn4cvwn7DSTYn1QEUKuMakmOt_r3_VYHFRO6h4SjR0P7BDBen_fqI-BXHtHSBEPyyqDH4cEnNO1xnDJursB5rdMMWxF0gJrQ/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMUvolfJyrULwZ_gOdGfn_YvLg0V6SHBq-u68ubnDwItQn4cvwn7DSTYn1QEUKuMakmOt_r3_VYHFRO6h4SjR0P7BDBen_fqI-BXHtHSBEPyyqDH4cEnNO1xnDJursB5rdMMWxF0gJrQ/s320/IMG_7260.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they're off!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULkjt3ZBiu2mnLjvpGwWBgEC4ZMLoW8mwM-u4VHdq9s1-BePgZ6ct2srQUvCfoez55EaX1cIqqMTQwhVl2dwFVs4jbbyrBMuEC7ECKKK70FEgItlsy1red7RMh_U201ssZMFWdT4zaas/s1600/IMG_7278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULkjt3ZBiu2mnLjvpGwWBgEC4ZMLoW8mwM-u4VHdq9s1-BePgZ6ct2srQUvCfoez55EaX1cIqqMTQwhVl2dwFVs4jbbyrBMuEC7ECKKK70FEgItlsy1red7RMh_U201ssZMFWdT4zaas/s320/IMG_7278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many friends!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS85Syvl0fu1ybr73hfoyvlpGGXpNXr5g2O5touInsYzGVlvnSkPEFWZ1I0Iagnw4igjCaxabW9nF3ZYwH-Ry5FGXr0ys5wyJGI0ZotFg-3TGHRptdsQZs0WeFv2l7P6VErRzTy-pG8sI/s1600/IMG_7293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS85Syvl0fu1ybr73hfoyvlpGGXpNXr5g2O5touInsYzGVlvnSkPEFWZ1I0Iagnw4igjCaxabW9nF3ZYwH-Ry5FGXr0ys5wyJGI0ZotFg-3TGHRptdsQZs0WeFv2l7P6VErRzTy-pG8sI/s320/IMG_7293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually, the road dwindled to nothing and we explored some possible tributaries before heading back.<br />
<br />
<i>Back at the car. Everyone looked so darn cute!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCIulJSnTeBsrjCLspIhilCRluDNCKKwgQN6tUGsg3QqKWwnCRgy8d5WuLf5CDNNId9_itL7CYXZys2WYq0-bx-wRixAdMNAchF4hxbksMxTyjg-dEtFMgQzQs48cC8c_Z-RnJiwcL4/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCIulJSnTeBsrjCLspIhilCRluDNCKKwgQN6tUGsg3QqKWwnCRgy8d5WuLf5CDNNId9_itL7CYXZys2WYq0-bx-wRixAdMNAchF4hxbksMxTyjg-dEtFMgQzQs48cC8c_Z-RnJiwcL4/s200/IMG_7367.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking win!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a view-less and lovely day wandering that old road and not something I normally do. But I'm glad we were spontaneous. The dogs had a great day and it was fun catching up with Amy, who was kind enough to humor us with our variety of sometimes conflicting canine needs throughout the morning. While this post falls short in the trail reporting sense, may it encourage you to try new things while the trails are in great shape!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHhTV-lsTZNfw56smqqJSiGZVmI7NEEB51Gs9-i3Ttvnc5pRvVINKynnRHmzhdNnf5S-1OcmtsLi9CQFoYk5jqQyPjyY9lhPBnbVSpu1BkXAWkj-1J8t5jKD6ZuSn08nhpPThpXlljUo/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHhTV-lsTZNfw56smqqJSiGZVmI7NEEB51Gs9-i3Ttvnc5pRvVINKynnRHmzhdNnf5S-1OcmtsLi9CQFoYk5jqQyPjyY9lhPBnbVSpu1BkXAWkj-1J8t5jKD6ZuSn08nhpPThpXlljUo/s200/IMG_7349.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenLrSmUHJwK3tB9ZDslng3EPFQsotzObmg9VevKpOlqiVUWGqm3MJPbfnHD7K188MKLbp7ABaGghHpoSVS1nJZIEQG2XbIg5cy4RH6LjA0pWxBN_AyEpcsgFwM4sHONmC4K02qCfPWmE/s1600/IMG_7358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenLrSmUHJwK3tB9ZDslng3EPFQsotzObmg9VevKpOlqiVUWGqm3MJPbfnHD7K188MKLbp7ABaGghHpoSVS1nJZIEQG2XbIg5cy4RH6LjA0pWxBN_AyEpcsgFwM4sHONmC4K02qCfPWmE/s200/IMG_7358.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super progress for our shy foster lady!</td></tr>
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<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-18117601958114712102017-02-27T23:42:00.005-05:002017-02-27T23:47:56.105-05:00Mount Jackson, revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk5TuwSNc88l4rSLwqmhhcpqPHgyrfTa23hyphenhyphentMp19HIYjEhGwcqKM5gxi9zrrDYHgSeszB8jyRxae9yl7xchNcGviKLvPs3UFtvc-HXMSCpMImeMeMRFljHISV3Cq95w5VRDhT2qWoQg/s1600/IMG_6542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk5TuwSNc88l4rSLwqmhhcpqPHgyrfTa23hyphenhyphentMp19HIYjEhGwcqKM5gxi9zrrDYHgSeszB8jyRxae9yl7xchNcGviKLvPs3UFtvc-HXMSCpMImeMeMRFljHISV3Cq95w5VRDhT2qWoQg/s640/IMG_6542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV0cjQZBLgtXjEzl_H17WCYYjkEE1lXjKoAVwn0MiB3xytEI2dvfcp3N5sIk8UQAnahfpXOjpgZBJ_OxtiBbfNoGcebrIHa-eIxvl_A888DqG_DcOsFQ9CXE3hvJXCTEafWhaAlrDXRQ/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV0cjQZBLgtXjEzl_H17WCYYjkEE1lXjKoAVwn0MiB3xytEI2dvfcp3N5sIk8UQAnahfpXOjpgZBJ_OxtiBbfNoGcebrIHa-eIxvl_A888DqG_DcOsFQ9CXE3hvJXCTEafWhaAlrDXRQ/s200/IMG_6585.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ma, you're not funny"</td></tr>
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We're back! Quite the hiatus, regrettably, but we never "left" the mountains. Our visits were shorter and at lower elevations but, with life moving on, I think things are on the up and up. (I'm exhausted so please humor the elevation pun).<br />
<br />
*<i>Note: I wrote this the night we returned but didn't publish til the following day and was too lazy to revise the references to Sunday. Hike date 2-26-2017.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In light of that, I'll also endeavor to adhere to the 'trail report' purpose of the blog. Ty and I started early, about 7:40 this morning at the Webster-Jackson trailhead. From the start, it was in excellent condition. None of the rain I'd seen hinted at in last night's forecast seemed to precipitate, not even town where I'd technically checked the forecast for. Instead there was the finest dusting of fresh snow that, along with the weather conditions, gave a nice film of traction for Ty over icier terrain. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0t_-CuEkQzKcmznkqSjRuKqdR-IwJUOJXxyULv4VYKsE5xXaBiMVcmw5R5F_lwcGB3sHpb_Mxkb8kNeOnuPcp-8_LTvSmauAEJw-J_KP8m8gehVDbMrmlhwdWq5wslNKr-E5VYGrkl4/s1600/IMG_6019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0t_-CuEkQzKcmznkqSjRuKqdR-IwJUOJXxyULv4VYKsE5xXaBiMVcmw5R5F_lwcGB3sHpb_Mxkb8kNeOnuPcp-8_LTvSmauAEJw-J_KP8m8gehVDbMrmlhwdWq5wslNKr-E5VYGrkl4/s200/IMG_6019.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sporadic blue patches of sky would <br />
continue throughout the morning<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt92DdB-YwBSeVdaJNNRZKxcLj5u7wST_FXvu_uUPFQ4FzZne9DnG4vb55p_4TRetDY6Amks9-LlSB02hsQ1METmHVSQvm6U8r1p1mHUHZAKxG6831VBc3E1cQTfYvXNs0B-z4ubbwAU/s1600/IMG_6023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt92DdB-YwBSeVdaJNNRZKxcLj5u7wST_FXvu_uUPFQ4FzZne9DnG4vb55p_4TRetDY6Amks9-LlSB02hsQ1METmHVSQvm6U8r1p1mHUHZAKxG6831VBc3E1cQTfYvXNs0B-z4ubbwAU/s200/IMG_6023.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4OuPbDk4irMilqbXuu-nFzhxjgbhHDihy8yY6zDKHhUpro_1oVHOSm5Vplq-iu9_LkFNSQE-GWR86Z1sYk32vHwJ_VwlMV1T8NdQ4CR65bsP9dbix1DnyigLaIM5s6SfOMZ7-LghGYY/s1600/IMG_6025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4OuPbDk4irMilqbXuu-nFzhxjgbhHDihy8yY6zDKHhUpro_1oVHOSm5Vplq-iu9_LkFNSQE-GWR86Z1sYk32vHwJ_VwlMV1T8NdQ4CR65bsP9dbix1DnyigLaIM5s6SfOMZ7-LghGYY/s200/IMG_6025.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-packed trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTiaOnJDY0X8-MgoaoUeHEQM9je9zteUTPgEQkGijNSUrf5glJ3NCoQctUwhJv-0rcj-4bpRTd9C_P3wcuFXVjHecPb5TMlR7TSXaOn6KVJLhHpMjhxMQwl1k9PHPlzLCmC3cn0kEXcA/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTiaOnJDY0X8-MgoaoUeHEQM9je9zteUTPgEQkGijNSUrf5glJ3NCoQctUwhJv-0rcj-4bpRTd9C_P3wcuFXVjHecPb5TMlR7TSXaOn6KVJLhHpMjhxMQwl1k9PHPlzLCmC3cn0kEXcA/s200/IMG_6039.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But not without postholes</td></tr>
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Underneath, it was a hard crust that could easily have been ascended with decent traction but I opted for my new Tubbs Flex Alps because televators. Seriously, those things are genius and made it much easier for me to keep up with an especially enthusiastic Ty ty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRvdPI2XLoZOn2Mw-Turgn4EyHlJEa2ursdLogd_FhrjMEYfsApJ7Xo67qnEjSdHkGpVCYYyzZKAVsLIfkW94Oy81JE0_yiVASurNBTuMEil33Zu8QoisCZ8X0GSepV3ZPvj-Ygaz614/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRvdPI2XLoZOn2Mw-Turgn4EyHlJEa2ursdLogd_FhrjMEYfsApJ7Xo67qnEjSdHkGpVCYYyzZKAVsLIfkW94Oy81JE0_yiVASurNBTuMEil33Zu8QoisCZ8X0GSepV3ZPvj-Ygaz614/s320/IMG_6434.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy chica</td></tr>
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The trail spends its first 1.4 miles rolling along with moderate gains, a couple steep hauls, and several dips. Steep areas already have large patches of boiler plate ice and some weak snow where water runs underneath. Most of the time it was obvious but learning the hard way taught me to be more observant and find alternative routes, which there was typically at least one of.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First water crossing</td></tr>
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A short while past a spur to a lookout point (not Elephant Head) and after dropping down a hill, there were a handful of water crossings. One was extremely shallow but tricky for me to maneuver the whole 2.5 feet of in snowshoes due to poor foot placement options. The second was a little sketchy to us. The snow bridge was still intact but the warm weather as of late had me and Ty feeling very wary; on each side was a narrow and fierce stream of water leaping up towards the air then disappearing under snowy tunnels. Other crossings were mere tip-toes over muddy trickles so as not to mar new snowshoes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hesitating<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp94RZP_oZ10zceTPrbpTOpRrhghmKxzE_6INOozRkyi2KCnCtXmJWaHgCdeeh0yoIogUdS81Nw0eIItqEdojGxme7vlddvYwAp3Xq7kYVd4U16HvsLQQfVCal9GPKeUdL13z_mDx7qE8/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp94RZP_oZ10zceTPrbpTOpRrhghmKxzE_6INOozRkyi2KCnCtXmJWaHgCdeeh0yoIogUdS81Nw0eIItqEdojGxme7vlddvYwAp3Xq7kYVd4U16HvsLQQfVCal9GPKeUdL13z_mDx7qE8/s320/IMG_6213.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYFCwY2bl1eOhOlTGsd1sGbKL0eY0urQIuKrsn8JxVdJyqDffeEDz5-UDZFwC_0mCLM96ZOdiGO_SCM2YkmpNJ7oo_WrA5PlV2MqNL8ysumLsW8T6DQ8rz25yLrAI87KL0kkfuGf_QVM/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYFCwY2bl1eOhOlTGsd1sGbKL0eY0urQIuKrsn8JxVdJyqDffeEDz5-UDZFwC_0mCLM96ZOdiGO_SCM2YkmpNJ7oo_WrA5PlV2MqNL8ysumLsW8T6DQ8rz25yLrAI87KL0kkfuGf_QVM/s320/IMG_6219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Our initial goal was Webster since we've never been and, if time allowed, the full loop up and down Jackson (we were due home for 1:00). Heading in that direction at the fork, the trail dropped steeply and it was obviously less traveled. Ty was ahead and I saw her stop and lean back apprehensively before returning to me. The loud sound of water gave away her concern: I peaked down to see another snow bridge over an even more engorged brook. I scooted a little closer to evaluate but ultimately bowed to Ty's wishes and we reset our sights towards Jackson. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceeI_gjT80k8Td2uMXGdFULJMGcMWjND8ZIsSBXr8DlHXTdW077Kbn6RSf0EjmfETG0MkxJW3Dut8GCAEZheDpYNU8HG4wAQylSoP-AV2MNUVjg10etXNbu466t6DSqKHoYs79g_-Bhg/s1600/IMG_6268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceeI_gjT80k8Td2uMXGdFULJMGcMWjND8ZIsSBXr8DlHXTdW077Kbn6RSf0EjmfETG0MkxJW3Dut8GCAEZheDpYNU8HG4wAQylSoP-AV2MNUVjg10etXNbu466t6DSqKHoYs79g_-Bhg/s320/IMG_6268.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"nope face"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSEEEO-mhhwsYotqkp91RJHQG232Fp8xg7lfIegjWlweO53yqGBUI_wV0SDOJgOZlvnyAbQVGZtjC8O_uFsFUmVwX9qa9dpdH4YBYFlpVIi3__FDlWnLj2iCCcW0b9OQUcaqGeYlG71Q/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSEEEO-mhhwsYotqkp91RJHQG232Fp8xg7lfIegjWlweO53yqGBUI_wV0SDOJgOZlvnyAbQVGZtjC8O_uFsFUmVwX9qa9dpdH4YBYFlpVIi3__FDlWnLj2iCCcW0b9OQUcaqGeYlG71Q/s320/IMG_6270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks tame and we probably would've been just fine<br />
but I don't question an adamant "dingo dog!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MHmXZr1Ro4zWgCA7EpVMv7kiHHVPHPPFpldAFy-gXDdJyU1GyT2-Pe2ErCYa-F28-zydJyig-SepYBVbGJv9c3GhmbRcuQJ9HO5PwKupxgepfqio5TCa5_zRaicTKhbI3kCIGf13AhA/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MHmXZr1Ro4zWgCA7EpVMv7kiHHVPHPPFpldAFy-gXDdJyU1GyT2-Pe2ErCYa-F28-zydJyig-SepYBVbGJv9c3GhmbRcuQJ9HO5PwKupxgepfqio5TCa5_zRaicTKhbI3kCIGf13AhA/s320/IMG_6272.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep climb on the other side of the un-crossed bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltBmNI4NTu_BLDfHhyphenhyphencFE5BhTvarZldtH65FOs_bKPZH-cVzAGufet3wEEAq3WgRYWI0V5TbGEGFmfWRwYcsX7c7qRcUMLlFHuPR33CkG1ev7grt4k8ZwrmY0sBjozwiS9427AXcy8_M/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltBmNI4NTu_BLDfHhyphenhyphencFE5BhTvarZldtH65FOs_bKPZH-cVzAGufet3wEEAq3WgRYWI0V5TbGEGFmfWRwYcsX7c7qRcUMLlFHuPR33CkG1ev7grt4k8ZwrmY0sBjozwiS9427AXcy8_M/s320/IMG_6285.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much happier!</td></tr>
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The second half of the ascent I would compare to the former as steeper with less breaks. The further we continued, the fewer breaks there seemed to be for the majority of the climb. I don't tend to characterize trails as steep because there are always steeper ones nearby but the Jackson fork is on the tougher side of moderate in my current state (nothing over 2K in several weeks!) and pushing our time limit. If I remember correctly and skip doing the math, many sections seemed steeper than the standard grade up to the base of Tuckerman Ravine. Nonetheless, the pictures below seem to paint a different (and easier) picture!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fleeting ray of sunshine</td></tr>
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I kept waiting for the one piece of the trail I remembered, not because I stopped having fun but because we were creeping up on our turnaround time. Additionally, Ty was looking to me for reassurance more frequently as the winds gained strength and the treetops came closer to our heads.<br />
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Finally, after a series of small gains alternating with easier strides, there was the telltale, steep curve rightward. I knew it was the last one and as I rounded the corner, I would see the bare, probably icy slabs that would lead us to the summit. As I came out of the trees, Ty was already halfway up the rocks but decided to pick her way down the sheet of ice back to me. We're working on that.... Once with me and happy with the encouragement she received, she opted to pick along the krumholz, which I believed was a good choice that wasn't available to me, the big human with tree-killing teeth of death on her feet.<br />
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And so, I made my way up and with ease, thanks to the Flex Alps! Snowmelt had been funneled into a wedge where the krummholz met the rock face, creating a 20 foot or so river of smooth ice. At that point it seemed best to hoist Ty for a few paces til the ice became grainy and she gained some traction. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for the lift mum, now hurry up please!"</td></tr>
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So at our exact turnaround time of 9:30, the wind all but knocked me into the trail junction sign. Without losing too much time, we took the last 20 or so paces to the official summit and enjoyed imagining the view of Washington beyond the thick cloud cover. I tossed some treats around to keep Ty's focus off of her discomfort with the wind so I could take a few photos of the beautifully rimed trees. <br />
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I had really hoped to snap a few photos of Crawford Notch, where the clouds were thin and quick-moving, and of the tricky sections back to the trees but the phone died just after snapping Ty's summit photo. Officially on the descent, Ty showed off her mountain goat skills while I made a couple dumb moves and wiggled down the ice and rock and back under the tree cover.<br />
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And then we ran! We made amazing time getting back down to the junction and met a few nice folks along the way we chatted with momentarily, mostly about Ty! The last 1.4 mile seemed to take a little longer. The grade wasn't as steep and there were the small hills that make me realize I was over-layered everywhere but my heels. <br />
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We passed another few people and a pair of dogs, said some really noob things to the AMC gentleman who made a nice comment about my footwear choice, and then it was over with an unexciting wait on the snow bank for a line of cars to pass in order to return to the Subie where I was happy to see that, even with some backtracking, we'd finished ahead of schedule after 3 hours on the trail.<br />
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What can I say, this one is a budding favorite. A grade tougher than Pierce, the option (someday) for a loop, and an exhilarating summit experience, whether that's due to struggling to remain up right in the face of powerful winds and beauty-induced clumsiness from admiring the ice-rimmed krumholz or the spectacular views of the Presidentials on a bluebird day, it has a ton to offer. Current conditions are great. The trails are nicely broken out, wider than usual and have a nice dusting of fresh powder over them that grows to a powdery couple of inches closer to the summit. Someone expended a lot of effort postholing the first mile or so and sporadically further up the mountain but the deep, frozen bootprints didn't pose a problem. While Ty was able to trot along the crust, zig-zagging back and forth to follow small animal prints, it only took a half step off trail for me to punch through. The one important snow bridge is still intact, regardless I quickly jumped and spotted Ty on the way up. The ledges below the summit are not (currently) dog friendly but a savvy four legger can get the job done. It was a perfect re-introduction to winter hiking and ironically so, as the same and only 4K we've done in almost exactly a year. (Better stats in that <a href="http://www.pawsonpeaks.com/2016/03/mt-jackson-elev-4052-ft.html" target="_blank">post</a>.) pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-50970847250696920092017-01-03T21:37:00.000-05:002017-01-03T21:49:47.290-05:00Middle and North Sugarloaf for New Year's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Distance:</b> 5.4 mi<br />
<b>Route:</b> Zealand Rd - Sugarloaf Tr - Zealand Rd<br />
<b>Elevation gain:</b> 1,100 ft + (gain over Zealand Rd unknown)<br />
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We've done some really fun hikes with some incredible people and one "bull" in the last few weeks but life has gotten in the way of finishing my reports. But the new year is upon us and I'm determined to get back in the game!<br />
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This is the third or so New Year's Day in a row we've been able to celebrate with a hike. Today, we met up with Hannah and Lilo to do the Sugarloafs off of Zealand Road. <br />
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The air temp hovered around freezing with a sometimes-bitter wind that we quickly escaped once on Zealand Road and away from the open parking lot (which, FYI is about a quarter mile down the road (south) and possibly marked for the snowmobile trail).<br />
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Zealand Road was well packed and we barebooted the mile up to the second bridge, in front of which is all the signage, and just after which is the trailhead (marked with the traditional hiker stick figure duo). It seemed to be a fairly busy day for sledding and everyone who passed us was friendly. It's worth noting that, just over the first bridge to the (seasonally closed) picnic area, is an outlet of the snowmobile trail. Then, in the area of the trailhead, the road and snowmobile trail run in unison again momentarily. <br />
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The road was a good way to ease into the day, shifting packs and gauging layers. We passed a handful of others, mostly heading back towards the highway and some on skis. Once on the Sugarloaf/Trestle Trail, my kiddos and I only saw one other pair during our ascent of North Sugarloaf later on. Other than that, we wouldn't see another person til our return to Zealand Road.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT2fDTmm95OyRlmtaWq_xl9m7W6x_NeOkytGA-BmgZM7Mp0HKtsPToEvfuJtUQm4DhCpOD3FiG0HLwpfsNkyN_oLqDHs4yegogInmk3a4mL-r7Y4n7MPNmtJZMKlgJOw46gDRjA8pRzY/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT2fDTmm95OyRlmtaWq_xl9m7W6x_NeOkytGA-BmgZM7Mp0HKtsPToEvfuJtUQm4DhCpOD3FiG0HLwpfsNkyN_oLqDHs4yegogInmk3a4mL-r7Y4n7MPNmtJZMKlgJOw46gDRjA8pRzY/s200/IMG_1508.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Sugarloaf Trail ran alongside Zealand River for two tenths of a mile before the Trestle Trail continued straight and we veered left and up to stay with Sugarloaf. We crossed the snowmobile trail once more and entered the woods. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is Ty airborne?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massholes passing on the left!</td></tr>
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The trail started easy, with flat to gentle gains and neat sights, like massive, split boulders.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treeing squirrels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQBquG4DVbg68wQLdAPn_GGm36CzJPZCvuiX6S24a44NSCdyz_9cudc_aFlr3INzYc0hXfJeq0E-YxV0O1ucNOi4LOeClI8Zm3bv5-_TcYRsZ0BCi28crRpdD_YTLP0Mxi34qA2ZpB1c/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQBquG4DVbg68wQLdAPn_GGm36CzJPZCvuiX6S24a44NSCdyz_9cudc_aFlr3INzYc0hXfJeq0E-YxV0O1ucNOi4LOeClI8Zm3bv5-_TcYRsZ0BCi28crRpdD_YTLP0Mxi34qA2ZpB1c/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant split boulder</td></tr>
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After the rocks, it gained moderately, but still with a flatter section before more of a "push" up to the col where one can go left for Middle and right for North. Although I haven't done Pleasant (Shawnee Ski Area) in the winter, I think this would be a fair comparison to the ledges trail.<br />
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We headed towards Middle Sugarloaf, knowing it was purported to have the best views of the two and that we'd only be doing one. The spur to the summit was a nice mix of quickly shifting grades and turns. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV42hI_oNxUQa7ydvM90JsQwhQzZTvabOtMkWB6wSRHZs8Df6iv0LIH_0G89g8IQI-F9-fSqUp52B_oPYEFsmqxzSBAUI8Kfy-BYN9bZu9ctoniYfAEuf5ff356hNfydYZIw2htzWFb8E/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV42hI_oNxUQa7ydvM90JsQwhQzZTvabOtMkWB6wSRHZs8Df6iv0LIH_0G89g8IQI-F9-fSqUp52B_oPYEFsmqxzSBAUI8Kfy-BYN9bZu9ctoniYfAEuf5ff356hNfydYZIw2htzWFb8E/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call them Dr. Seuss trees; other call them marshmallow trees.<br />
What do you call them?</td></tr>
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Just before the summit ledges, we encountered the ladder, which is a perfect angle for summer and only slightly challenging in snowshoes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYVEVq-9ZJdj1GJqThKfYxWH25uQq_OppUlBYTSXlJchCtU3mXZnBXE24p5wXBKdZZ5LFD6Qs0GhK4jHWqWqQPFcuaMldBGe05PT8le77zSuRy03N4j5EQpVnc2MWra1nzr2_orkCorY/s1600/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYVEVq-9ZJdj1GJqThKfYxWH25uQq_OppUlBYTSXlJchCtU3mXZnBXE24p5wXBKdZZ5LFD6Qs0GhK4jHWqWqQPFcuaMldBGe05PT8le77zSuRy03N4j5EQpVnc2MWra1nzr2_orkCorY/s320/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy ole lady ran up and down, up and down!<br />
Photo courtesy of Hannah B.</td></tr>
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*time sensitive warning, there's a very unfortunate and disgusting break with LNT midway between the ladder and the ledges to the right side of the tree in the middle of the trail. For those with curious dogs or don't want to have human waste on their snowshoes, keep left....</div>
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The summit astounded me. I'm calling it a wraparound summit. The open space available to take everything in was huge. First we turned left for the Presi's, then curved right for quite awhile, amazed. <br />
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* XL photos listed in order from left to right when emerging from the trees<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Presi's, conveniently under cloud cover, are to the left of the frame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ty's fumbled close to the edge; probably the biggest scare<br />
either of us has had. Lesson learned.</td></tr>
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I could've stayed there all afternoon. Even with the wind, the sheer size of the available places to explore and peaks to see was mesmerizing. We will definitely return!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeeWcHkV1o6Y1cKNvQ0pyD07ar3IP4y4x-dEC05Ux58zekolawlTZmlBwJh3WiRSC2vPbDF3y4qodQdpMu15BXzDJg5lC-4env0O_dLDIlzlOQaLfgK7PJqjcacqdRkomF1xounuKpoM/s1600/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeeWcHkV1o6Y1cKNvQ0pyD07ar3IP4y4x-dEC05Ux58zekolawlTZmlBwJh3WiRSC2vPbDF3y4qodQdpMu15BXzDJg5lC-4env0O_dLDIlzlOQaLfgK7PJqjcacqdRkomF1xounuKpoM/s320/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Hannah B.</td></tr>
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Back at the col, Ty and Tango sprang forward into the undisturbed snow on North Peak's spur. And so, with Hannah's approval (but not Lilo's), we struck out for North Peak. That was a very quick .3 mile of breaking trail. It was flat at first, then down a hill (always fun, going up to go down!) before entering thicker woods and ascending to the top. The views seem closer to the Presi's but more limited in overall scope. A very worthwhile side trip though, and with the couple of clearings, seems a nice place for a break on a warmer day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkimKAUqW9GywHmQcfdZDwhujpgL-ptRo4Oq_F_pJ-oEmH_UKdfgBbpScndvpuKsv0BqKfFrGUABkp-IlBvqGpkokoxwEJfAAyss385eX-2qe-drw6fK7jAnAypyPFc_ncckl_81J_aI/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkimKAUqW9GywHmQcfdZDwhujpgL-ptRo4Oq_F_pJ-oEmH_UKdfgBbpScndvpuKsv0BqKfFrGUABkp-IlBvqGpkokoxwEJfAAyss385eX-2qe-drw6fK7jAnAypyPFc_ncckl_81J_aI/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It always amazes me how they know the way, even in deep snow drifts<br />
around disorienting boulders, with no tracks to follow. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing at the summit of North Sugarloaf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RT0f2mYEZl032AR4rQG1kCadWm0K_yln31FaIMfMrl1TkA2ApPPM1OT-I1oGhdWlG5w2nkw-GvjrPAOSfnTdxPZXxXnFGbR-NTUefhyphenhyphenXNhVkF6x1UZlJntSr81qa64dsI69-CBL4Fhs/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RT0f2mYEZl032AR4rQG1kCadWm0K_yln31FaIMfMrl1TkA2ApPPM1OT-I1oGhdWlG5w2nkw-GvjrPAOSfnTdxPZXxXnFGbR-NTUefhyphenhyphenXNhVkF6x1UZlJntSr81qa64dsI69-CBL4Fhs/s320/IMG_2114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under that cloud is a spectacular view of the Presi's....<br />
The white line descending from the cloud cover is the Cog<br />
if I'm not mistaken.</td></tr>
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We made haste returning to the junction, at which point, Ty indicated her intention to return to Middle Sugarloaf. When I told her to find Hannah and Lilo instead, she careened down the hill with Tango not far behind. 25" snowshoes aren't exactly conducive to graceful, efficient jogging but I did my best to keep up. As I said in a post last year, when Tango runs, you run!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3GiVH_7FD2wEKYaNbZxRCB6GAeOzchGGBC8Xt9t9C4sIVz7WCXlM3NZBYnuOzyyMNylbNVVcWKCOGl3L0cDzWqg1jDlhnfnAAXXZtPBk6WOEtjg1TIG4xP4OBLuK6w6PbU08jInmmzA/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3GiVH_7FD2wEKYaNbZxRCB6GAeOzchGGBC8Xt9t9C4sIVz7WCXlM3NZBYnuOzyyMNylbNVVcWKCOGl3L0cDzWqg1jDlhnfnAAXXZtPBk6WOEtjg1TIG4xP4OBLuK6w6PbU08jInmmzA/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWDeRnN2ODj5zw2TKUnDi00FP7OqG3i8HKsJz9IhVZdaDPozk-dPBuDcYrTMwhpHptYiggBAmJLw_a4R8plFdkZhrhWH7Itku_vVLftb6e1kCv8187E96df4EAFuZD0PVs68ZgGThoMY/s1600/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWDeRnN2ODj5zw2TKUnDi00FP7OqG3i8HKsJz9IhVZdaDPozk-dPBuDcYrTMwhpHptYiggBAmJLw_a4R8plFdkZhrhWH7Itku_vVLftb6e1kCv8187E96df4EAFuZD0PVs68ZgGThoMY/s320/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuniting at the snowmobile trail crossing.<br />
Photo courtesy of Hannah B.</td></tr>
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Back at the intersection with the snowmobile trail, we met up with Hannah and Lilo, who thankfully hadn't been waiting long. The return was a nice, quick jaunt with Ty and Lilo running quite far ahead (for different reasons!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pack leaders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKH4NVKK0HKpn9TqvEg0bP74vXpPIpX_lyPN1MPQ6BviCcDIrHRhL4ZRzxI5aXZl35Y4mur20nnvlIObS_838D2ccbG03vK9XsO4MQh88JVJVb8n50ps4wfbQS9pjHO4sWgsRuMlx0/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKH4NVKK0HKpn9TqvEg0bP74vXpPIpX_lyPN1MPQ6BviCcDIrHRhL4ZRzxI5aXZl35Y4mur20nnvlIObS_838D2ccbG03vK9XsO4MQh88JVJVb8n50ps4wfbQS9pjHO4sWgsRuMlx0/s320/IMG_2144.JPG" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-conversation, I was taken aback to notice a beaver<br />
less than a leash-length away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WIPXe-TJ6JnbZ9aQipVpvz2NLDmxdQ-KVIjY_-Wj7Uw10SAUf2hobKodrvhe8QtJ72CwVBxGrBLlwQFhUcoL6TopMTtNaaJRjo-ek3T_OYAnhG7kgoXTrrQ9ME12k86DDeP28NLv06g/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WIPXe-TJ6JnbZ9aQipVpvz2NLDmxdQ-KVIjY_-Wj7Uw10SAUf2hobKodrvhe8QtJ72CwVBxGrBLlwQFhUcoL6TopMTtNaaJRjo-ek3T_OYAnhG7kgoXTrrQ9ME12k86DDeP28NLv06g/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once I got my wits about me, it became a training opportunity!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BgYMgRM4ARMJCxrrYxLruLjPBkOv1u6PyVQBpfi_yDwtCUsj_tJb9dKqZmAqaslef8EXMrU4XAsKdFMa2Jfg81lQn2wecqalgDKlkTbdvLfDl0OWYx8prlbBi9EcHapNRHXuSBbTkh0/s1600/unnamed+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BgYMgRM4ARMJCxrrYxLruLjPBkOv1u6PyVQBpfi_yDwtCUsj_tJb9dKqZmAqaslef8EXMrU4XAsKdFMa2Jfg81lQn2wecqalgDKlkTbdvLfDl0OWYx8prlbBi9EcHapNRHXuSBbTkh0/s320/unnamed+%25289%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Hannah B.</td></tr>
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The Sugarloaf Trail instantly jumped to the top of our list. Ty would argue the trail is too short but there are ways to extend it. It's not a difficult hiking, being of mostly easy to moderate grades and relatively short in length. It's been awhile but I would say, for the sake of comparison, it's similar in difficulty to Welch-Dickey, if not slightly easier. The views and trail are varied, making the time pass quickly (as does good conversation). The summit is absolutely stellar and well worth what some might consider "too short" a hike for a drive up to the Whites. Other than using caution and respecting the multi-use nature of certain parts of Zealand Road, there's nothing I can think of that doesn't make this a great dog hike. The ladder isn't steep and the boards are a good size. The ledges are at a gently sloping angle. They do seem to drop eventually and hazardously but intrinsically cautious dogs will be okay. Ty pushed herself a little too far, spooked us both, and was okay. Their bouncing , happy gait alone tells me the Sugarloafs are very dog approved! I can't wait to return on a bluebird day and see what Erick thinks!</div>
pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-10355846068799508652016-11-09T23:07:00.002-05:002016-11-09T23:20:45.442-05:00Pleasant Mountain - a bipartisan winner on election day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHcFXMdECHVhlJMwzsnHEzyEcU_9EEXQnew-cqUS7neDCtTFKD2u_zg-ka0z7ETA-sdrzdghKxd2_EATKlWORwdib26uuSu1NBLPt-d87yb4lekT5PHAytLxgg4YlXtGceNWPeO8b4-s/s1600/IMG_6928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHcFXMdECHVhlJMwzsnHEzyEcU_9EEXQnew-cqUS7neDCtTFKD2u_zg-ka0z7ETA-sdrzdghKxd2_EATKlWORwdib26uuSu1NBLPt-d87yb4lekT5PHAytLxgg4YlXtGceNWPeO8b4-s/s400/IMG_6928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Route: Ledges Trail<br />
Distance: 3.6 miles (roundtrip)<br />
Elevation: 2006'<br />
Duration: Two hours<br />
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Yesterday I got to take a half day for working this past Saturday. For record keeping's sake, I'll mention that yesterday was the random, crazy-beautiful bluebird November day in the 60's. In light of the new sunset time, I hightailed it home to pack quickly, promising myself I would vote upon returning. We made it to Pleasant in about an hour and I was relieved to see a few other cars alongside Mountain Road. We threw our stuff on quickly and began at 2:30.<br />
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The Ledges Trail has a nice kiosk once you take the stone staircase up from the road that details the trails and safety precautions. Shortly thereafter, the broad trail begins to gain elevation fairly evenly. As of yesterday, the leaf cover is fresh and the ground dry, unlike a little bit further north. For that reason, this is a great hike for those not ready to welcome winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQffsHdHhup6JF4hadMbJXXkErpKAJBSKL6mNBa6jY3N-_WU2Y_Nye6kP9a24PwjRvR_7C2-HOpHFxahk5nR8pxf8mXhwR6XUbprUF8COyfPco7knU16Xsw32L5UKx171k3kI7l2YNX74/s1600/IMG_6690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQffsHdHhup6JF4hadMbJXXkErpKAJBSKL6mNBa6jY3N-_WU2Y_Nye6kP9a24PwjRvR_7C2-HOpHFxahk5nR8pxf8mXhwR6XUbprUF8COyfPco7knU16Xsw32L5UKx171k3kI7l2YNX74/s200/IMG_6690.JPG" width="150" /></a>During a flat section, the dogs took advantage of two small streams that ran close to one another. Soon after, a sharp right turn and return to climbing indicated the beginning of the long, gentle switchbacks that defined the next 15 to 20 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last staircase before the open ledges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring at a squirrel</td></tr>
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We broke out onto the ledges with the sun swallowing Ty's light outline as she walked along the cliff's edge, scanning the ground below for critters with a surefooted-ness a dancer would kill for. The next section provided the inspiration for the trail's name. Most of the ledges offer beautiful views of everything from nearby hillsides and lakes to distant mountains. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someday I'll look up the history behind this</td></tr>
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The trail turned into the woods and ascended some more before the junction with the terminus of the Southwest Ledges Trail (which we would someday like to try) and a secondary sign directing us to the main peak, just another couple minutes up the trail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final ledge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello moon!</td></tr>
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This wasn't our first visit to Pleasant but the beauty and vast views at the open summit captivated me as powerfully as the first time. There was only one other person up there enjoying the scenery and everything else the summit had to offer so we took the opposite side to relax.<br />
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After taking an hour to cover the 1.8 miles to the top, we relaxed for about 25 minutes appreciating the silence and trying to simply live in the moment. Tango is certainly best at that, I'm trying, and Ty, well, she's trying these days too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private massage with a view... spoiled!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half relaxed, always ready</td></tr>
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I briefly toyed with the idea of waiting to watch the sunset but ultimately tabled that experience for another day. On our return trip, the leaf cover was a little sketchy but we practically flew down. It was a major mental workout to be joyful, calm, alert, in the moment, and one step ahead simultaneously without slipping on the leaves. This was a <i>huge </i>test for me and Ty. I had a harness and bungee leash ready but decided to push our luck a little, instead opting to jog with her remote trainer in one hand, whistle at the ready, and singing everything from Jason Mraz to Dropkick Murphys along with my iPhone since I'd forgotten our bear bell (more like the, "big creatures of the woods, please vacate the area before my dog sees you" bell). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUaNGSZE8XPyDG79Zwp1rbWBCcUPfY2Ipgq0HNdBBUNBYbUS8lCxLaEXsoDCrrfW_SXRUkGxJEuFDbLIBzone5pTKwwQKCr8zEJWSJ4dlNyCiS8nnZaxHD5Z6lskT7wXJ4XlYczk6414/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUaNGSZE8XPyDG79Zwp1rbWBCcUPfY2Ipgq0HNdBBUNBYbUS8lCxLaEXsoDCrrfW_SXRUkGxJEuFDbLIBzone5pTKwwQKCr8zEJWSJ4dlNyCiS8nnZaxHD5Z6lskT7wXJ4XlYczk6414/s640/IMG_7095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjTp3LrRXpKpIlFBK0TAE3R3RpGb56RHFTbNd0ThKNf8DxBHyFB3IqVx0RG29SIe9SrXePr6xivBgaIJqtiyZWFz8jkpAQl5FOy0PYACMQhYwamvJcfhyvFsI__oNkwfQ8xoSvhz9Wes/s1600/butt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjTp3LrRXpKpIlFBK0TAE3R3RpGb56RHFTbNd0ThKNf8DxBHyFB3IqVx0RG29SIe9SrXePr6xivBgaIJqtiyZWFz8jkpAQl5FOy0PYACMQhYwamvJcfhyvFsI__oNkwfQ8xoSvhz9Wes/s200/butt.JPG" width="150" /></a>With a lot of luck, my strategy worked and we reached the car unscathed with some light left in the sky. Pleasant Mountain is a small peak but has a to to offer. Our first time we were there, it provided a solid challenge for Erick (an intermittent hiker) and blueberries galore to sweeten the day. Yesterday it gave us a perfect, short, moderate hike with the spectacular views I was craving. I even remembered to bring <i>and</i> use my binocular<span style="background-color: white;">s to observe the patchy snow on Mt Washington. Despite the freshly fallen leaves that hid potential hazards, the terrain was excellent for a quick h</span><span style="background-color: white;">i</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">ke. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Th</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">ere weren't many water sources but the trail was quite dog friendly, despite Tango slipping on rocks that were hidden by the leaves. He's very ready for winter. But to get in one last warm-weather hike was special and I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon hike.</span><br />
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-13975957923336569162016-11-05T21:07:00.001-04:002016-11-05T21:15:31.295-04:00Wandering Douglas Mountain, Maine (10/15/2016)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhPmczU3lKHJWxHfNsOxvwv1kPICv9Vf4dPI_Mmi97KKhdB0z0jkZs4Q88OHIVTc7CEypbLQ9QXR1NFn0kDJcuN0Go0x7O7NDEBUhdBnRnhCYLX_rAY753Aby9sPDa0Uku3-Z5tiiOxQ/s1600/douglas+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhPmczU3lKHJWxHfNsOxvwv1kPICv9Vf4dPI_Mmi97KKhdB0z0jkZs4Q88OHIVTc7CEypbLQ9QXR1NFn0kDJcuN0Go0x7O7NDEBUhdBnRnhCYLX_rAY753Aby9sPDa0Uku3-Z5tiiOxQ/s400/douglas+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small hike, big payoff!</td></tr>
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A rather un-helpful trail report but in order to chronicle the yearly foliage patterns and make a note of a great little hike that I highly recommend for a fun, easy jaunt with beautiful scenery, I am obliged!<br />
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My brother Nate came up from Rhode Island to see some foliage as we were at the very end of peak, if not a hair past in many areas, and I did not want to disappoint.<br />
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I had a lot of criteria but was mostly looking for about an hour from home, excellent foliage views, and not too tough. A co-worker who I'm very fortunate to work with (for more than her shared loved for nature!) recommended Douglas Mountain in Sebago which sounded like a short hike from my limited knowledge of the area and only 50 minutes from home. <br />
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The drive up there was gorgeous and I was thrilled there were still plenty of vibrant colors. We had to backtrack on Douglas Mountain Road; I wasn't expecting a large sign waving in all hikers to a designated lot. Based on feedback from my coworker (and nothing else; I did no research other than a Google Images search!), I wanted to do the Ledges Trail but the large maps at the trailhead and donation box indicated we'd have to walk the road to get there. Between that and a lovely-looking trail in front of us, we opted for what was right in front of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bZ6OFnblkt_S81w7zeNrqwFZjlLYJrrRXjIHDz6KDHlS01n-DiDMIoJjxbZjjtnFCt3FU6vtEULR4J7rX9Z-8GJHAaGfABNGvta4b9ACqzMMvNpWxdJhLTUeal5JWXTJozUg_npu6zY/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bZ6OFnblkt_S81w7zeNrqwFZjlLYJrrRXjIHDz6KDHlS01n-DiDMIoJjxbZjjtnFCt3FU6vtEULR4J7rX9Z-8GJHAaGfABNGvta4b9ACqzMMvNpWxdJhLTUeal5JWXTJozUg_npu6zY/s320/IMG_3706.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quintessentially New England</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdFaGdviIum3eIEFX_NZmeS5vE97BOppAv4AbfE7hL4hSR0OYs-qadaO8RsqkgKQgpTGxRiWtQf_2ravkbXge1nNCoa6UqnbT9cHToXoJ2-SCoI4ItB-S06oY-Yschf-YhHl4uIHnz10/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdFaGdviIum3eIEFX_NZmeS5vE97BOppAv4AbfE7hL4hSR0OYs-qadaO8RsqkgKQgpTGxRiWtQf_2ravkbXge1nNCoa6UqnbT9cHToXoJ2-SCoI4ItB-S06oY-Yschf-YhHl4uIHnz10/s200/IMG_3727.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Much Orange!</td></tr>
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As it turns out, the trail we were on was the primary Eagle Scout Trail. It was very enjoyable: broad and easy through varied, semi-open woods. Ty was amped but on her best behavior! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKHGQLiYWCla0X8AyTy33RENPcOO8V4E8fG8cLSvleRU6GP9ZV_IK0vpk6yQ67n_wGqvMqzRq4lSIQbHxa5M_bNjwCd8srJJtN-Ps8BB_FloQbHAYRa0pA3gmzWTPdgY-CqM8gyImfQ0/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKHGQLiYWCla0X8AyTy33RENPcOO8V4E8fG8cLSvleRU6GP9ZV_IK0vpk6yQ67n_wGqvMqzRq4lSIQbHxa5M_bNjwCd8srJJtN-Ps8BB_FloQbHAYRa0pA3gmzWTPdgY-CqM8gyImfQ0/s200/IMG_3720.JPG" width="200" /></a>We passed a junction with a snowmobile trail, then a few turns as the trail bordered private property, and then the trail began to ascend. After such a mellow start, and clearly my body had forgotten about Tuckerman Ravine by then, it felt steep! If I'm being honest, it wasn't all that steep but a couple brief sections sure felt it and will be a good, short challenge for those who haven't hiked in awhile. As the trail eased up, we passed under a very large fallen tree and came to an intersection.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the "steep" ascent (insert snicker here!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrhraKdVcvlPbPwWmS_JtVo75h1T7-jpDrZqiJD-p2dBnANVV0AAeYkgEFcFeUBSC8kszaOxPhd-TSScMERGh9eZl6dI3u-Qic5o97Yjb2kkJi36XAsxrOLSTIMDnKV5oeUkyboEffA0/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrhraKdVcvlPbPwWmS_JtVo75h1T7-jpDrZqiJD-p2dBnANVV0AAeYkgEFcFeUBSC8kszaOxPhd-TSScMERGh9eZl6dI3u-Qic5o97Yjb2kkJi36XAsxrOLSTIMDnKV5oeUkyboEffA0/s320/IMG_3802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aforementioned big fallen tree</td></tr>
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The trail marker suggested we could take the "Nature Trail Loop" and reach the summit. We wandered the loop twice, baffled. Each time took us less than 10 minutes. It wasn't a large time investment and the brevity of the hike overall made it an easy gamble to take. While on the second loop around, Nate said he recalled another path at the junction we'd stood at, befuddled, before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnyPcfM19bk4BHUNRMNzrHDtK6L5yVYshL_DRBGGGrYWOMTdK03l-PcitNupgtcpyf26I8JTPteOgL_02olp5ICS1evMw1c9wIqJa09Z-bSGCBD5A7kRG4OUduUqA6WznNibz9gWQdoQ/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnyPcfM19bk4BHUNRMNzrHDtK6L5yVYshL_DRBGGGrYWOMTdK03l-PcitNupgtcpyf26I8JTPteOgL_02olp5ICS1evMw1c9wIqJa09Z-bSGCBD5A7kRG4OUduUqA6WznNibz9gWQdoQ/s320/IMG_3804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully Nate forgives the use of his photo. His expression summarizes<br />
the depth of concentration required of us to find the right trail!</td></tr>
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Back at the intersection, he pointed it out. I'd never seen it and was grateful for his keen eye. It was immediately apparent it was the right path. <span style="background-color: white;">Initially rocky, the trail evened out and transitioned to dirt then smooth, exposed stone </span>before reaching the clearing that's considered the summit. There's an awesome stone tower with a fantastic view. Nate did the majority of the picture-taking with his Samsung and keen eye. With a frown, I have to say that said phone was stolen before he got the photos off of it so you'll just have to believe me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it any question why the ladies love him?!</td></tr>
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We decided to wander to the other side of the clearing to find a path down. Afterwards, it was apparent it was the Ledges Trail. Smooth ledges are my favorite and we enjoyed hiking down, all the while, with Nate showing off the grip on his Salomon trail runners!<br />
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The ledges didn't last long; we soon figured out why nearly everybody else that arrived at the top after us came from that direction. The walk down was only half a mile! We oogled the gorgeous properties than lined the road on the walk down to the lot.<br />
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Quick, fun, interesting, and scenic - we will definitely be bringing more visitors to Douglas Mountain! First, I'll probably return once on my own to get my bearings first; reviewing the map, it's quite straightforward and I'm baffled about our detour. Not that I wouldn't mind getting lost again; it was a fun walk. Of note for the dogs: there were a couple good streams along the beginning of the Eagle Scout Trail. It's a nice piece of land but the trail sometimes closely borders private property so keep your wanderers in check! Finally, we heard distant gunshots but their sound carried well. We weren't in danger (but wore orange to be safe); however, Ty is extremely uncomfortable with the sound so "spooky" dogs might not appreciate that aspect. We've only been once so I will offer updates if that's a usual thing there or not when we return. I've since read it's a superb place to snowshoe. Until then, happy trails, especially if you visit Douglas Mountain!<br />
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P.S. If you do, bring three bucks, the requested donation amount to maintain the property!<br />
In light of the small amount of information compared to some of our other trails, here are some of links I found helpful:<br />
<a href="http://www.bridgton.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/SP-29-hike-Douglas-Map.jpg" target="_blank">Trail Map</a>, thanks to <a href="http://bridgton.com/">Bridgton.com</a><br />
Another <a href="http://blog.adventureswithrenee.com/2013/11/douglas-mountain-baldwinsebago-maine.html" target="_blank">post</a> about hiking Douglas with dogs, highlight is the great descriptions of the surrounding mountains! How many have you done?<br />
Some good wildlife recommendations and the perspective of a green hiker <a href="https://weekendsinmaine.com/2016/05/28/maine-hikes-douglas-mountain-sebago/" target="_blank">here</a>.pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-70071705518226095702016-10-31T22:51:00.000-04:002016-10-31T23:08:35.831-04:00Halloween Hike: Mt Pierce<div>
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We're creating a tradition! For the second year in a row, the dogs hiked in costume for Halloween (technically yesterday since I work a "regular" job) and, unintentionally, took a similar route to last year's trek with David and Meka (to whom we wish a very special 11th birthday!!). <br />
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Just some super cute dogs to draw attention away from my run-on sentence!</div>
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Being that I've covered the Crawford Path up Pierce in at least four other posts, this time is mostly just for fun and to document current conditions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IkhDSGOiyaQ3VCk-hCN0R6Uy1QJfiX-fRK8ka9BvBsPf1XLeOX73Vub5Aie1ENiWzHZuyK1s3KcXzM8qDmBxxP_mXuvwzHOG0fuZaZHdy3cI09SN_W0jh109_SDAufFucBKkCfNJpRY/s1600/IMG_6095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IkhDSGOiyaQ3VCk-hCN0R6Uy1QJfiX-fRK8ka9BvBsPf1XLeOX73Vub5Aie1ENiWzHZuyK1s3KcXzM8qDmBxxP_mXuvwzHOG0fuZaZHdy3cI09SN_W0jh109_SDAufFucBKkCfNJpRY/s200/IMG_6095.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yesterday we got to hike with Hannah and her out-of-state relatives, as well as a little on our own. The forecasts (NOAA, weather.com, mountain-forecast, and MWOBS) were all pretty accurate. The air was a little damp but no precip befell us, the temperature at 10:30 at the southern end of the notch was 50* and probably floated around 45* for most of the hike. Above treeline was exhilarating. Low visibility (but not limited enough to be disorienting) and powerful wind gusts. Still, not biting cold. Basically, perfect gear testing weather and to simply be happy to be out!</div>
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<b><i>Conditions summary:</i></b> almost all things wet. Mud, standing water on the trail, running water on the trail, slush, some wet snow, and slush puddles that'll eat your Asolo's. No ice til the ledges just before the summit but not much. I never used my micros but others did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very fall-like on the Crawford Connector</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Here comes the snow but we can all agree the highlight here<br />
is the dogs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating snow also meant accepting slush</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning along the angled rocks was challenging</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rime!!!</td></tr>
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<b><i>Happy HOWL-oween!!</i></b><br />
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Showing off their spooky swag from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AudreysDapperCloset?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Audrey's Dapper Closet</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_EvqMuqkvLNjp8L5qQ5xtXu_LiX81xwee1OzIdLDVea-iHbxr24xMsElvQQZuf3f8ybkREwo0rlQLZnKB6ORqPB4Y4PAH8EXNYzBbUxxKOiJKl9PjOuREDBI9gBia-KUR1V8avm14_w/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_EvqMuqkvLNjp8L5qQ5xtXu_LiX81xwee1OzIdLDVea-iHbxr24xMsElvQQZuf3f8ybkREwo0rlQLZnKB6ORqPB4Y4PAH8EXNYzBbUxxKOiJKl9PjOuREDBI9gBia-KUR1V8avm14_w/s320/IMG_6298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFs5fk5P5XSbzn4NPKflMAGw2_CrkzBCItGGaxzsd3Zlb8iu4n3oy3xJx-42FIQ1kJxjEmEcZEN8-6uMFhfoFD8bSvX_AfXzGMxv7gtWOS9IcOFuzdChZrNVjkRDqqacQntxinZnEuD4/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFs5fk5P5XSbzn4NPKflMAGw2_CrkzBCItGGaxzsd3Zlb8iu4n3oy3xJx-42FIQ1kJxjEmEcZEN8-6uMFhfoFD8bSvX_AfXzGMxv7gtWOS9IcOFuzdChZrNVjkRDqqacQntxinZnEuD4/s320/IMG_6375.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ty showing off her new Ruffwear and Red Dingo<br />
gear! (Shout out to the latter for their lifelong<br />
warranty!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4MF3KoUTCR6pryevFwPIkvytfTfigtzbp02msRcNLDfU1WAKjwV_eoSxnqiOV8XoVQF170KtDB4tan0C5AIe6bigx1Ydl097YPGVH3G-A2uPhuH5_CezNJ8MJBBdRQ2yx0cmdkup6Yk/s1600/IMG_6433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4MF3KoUTCR6pryevFwPIkvytfTfigtzbp02msRcNLDfU1WAKjwV_eoSxnqiOV8XoVQF170KtDB4tan0C5AIe6bigx1Ydl097YPGVH3G-A2uPhuH5_CezNJ8MJBBdRQ2yx0cmdkup6Yk/s320/IMG_6433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ty appears to have a new way of celebrating summits</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyrl7i56dYEuyxEnMiMs7jVtx-HJpuipCzK9EWXTrPH8kWXRFAT0wXRMpxDwsstuxFoo5ubVO1NYJYoDuuBbcRWY16-cnjt9CPGe1lA41VVIx66-Id1eZKH_1_gvvRH5ErxIiKVeehkQ/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyrl7i56dYEuyxEnMiMs7jVtx-HJpuipCzK9EWXTrPH8kWXRFAT0wXRMpxDwsstuxFoo5ubVO1NYJYoDuuBbcRWY16-cnjt9CPGe1lA41VVIx66-Id1eZKH_1_gvvRH5ErxIiKVeehkQ/s400/IMG_6445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dingo in the midst"</td></tr>
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pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311377162206865090.post-72188937098076282862016-10-26T20:33:00.000-04:002016-11-06T08:00:15.080-05:00Passaconaway on a Wet October Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBG7IZwp9UBX_UuCIzljo0DSpzj9S_5-JYsgBhQbyZxD_fU-Hza7aWA6W3nJXsGNx2P60xlZ-GBKpTNfKr5TpvHGWgxv3LvLxFpNP3ozYuntNsdalOElM8VuXYuJZx86R1r80-wipMcU/s1600/IMG_3262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBG7IZwp9UBX_UuCIzljo0DSpzj9S_5-JYsgBhQbyZxD_fU-Hza7aWA6W3nJXsGNx2P60xlZ-GBKpTNfKr5TpvHGWgxv3LvLxFpNP3ozYuntNsdalOElM8VuXYuJZx86R1r80-wipMcU/s640/IMG_3262.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Our friends <a href="https://bullyandblaze.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Bully & Blaze</a></i></div>
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<b>Route: </b>Dirt road, Dicey Mills Tr - Rollins Tr<br />
<b>Mileage: </b>appx. 9 mi<br />
<b>Duration: </b>7 hours including breaks<br />
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On a gray autumn day, three women and most of their dogs met at Ferncroft parking lot to hike Whiteface. Not a hike I thought I'd do again but the characteristics were just right. Hannah, Amy, and I agreed on Whiteface for it's hiking appeal for Tango and Lilo, the opportunity to see the foliage, and its location away from the major leaf peeping routes (though 113 was simply gorgeous and bursting with color that day, 10/9/2016). Amy and I met up the night before and camped in Tamworth as the forecast began to deteriorate overnight. Nursing a cold and crinkling my nose at the drizzle that passed over us at 7:00AM, I admit to having doubts. Thankfully, Hannah and Amy aren't babies like me and we proceeded to the trailhead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjft4nYtkObAEhMrGi8x3OOjCznJAZ07yr7yKDmENS_DhNyvbOdXqXQDj__nJg-NM9lDouGPXPBVNjghtcVe24qGOhCvBdlcci7xCUdiT0lZyfFdzwEobIY5GCvpRdM1s_qurJLzlVEoNY/s1600/IMG_3234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjft4nYtkObAEhMrGi8x3OOjCznJAZ07yr7yKDmENS_DhNyvbOdXqXQDj__nJg-NM9lDouGPXPBVNjghtcVe24qGOhCvBdlcci7xCUdiT0lZyfFdzwEobIY5GCvpRdM1s_qurJLzlVEoNY/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the loveliest trailhead views I know of</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg932KCcVRU_BpHDrSgLjjmQK_3SonNubqSg_y98ioNUKSgPl4a2vKfdlnHZXLIQc9dh3j6bB_GmFIzt870HIN6Zrxilh9kRxcO8hJ7izWSbOm1pxt16u_9u8KVKux87s2Bf37ydecq7tQ/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg932KCcVRU_BpHDrSgLjjmQK_3SonNubqSg_y98ioNUKSgPl4a2vKfdlnHZXLIQc9dh3j6bB_GmFIzt870HIN6Zrxilh9kRxcO8hJ7izWSbOm1pxt16u_9u8KVKux87s2Bf37ydecq7tQ/s200/IMG_3662.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE6dSMtDvzpOmaEK3iD6Rhbz8JzV_XAvcQ0GeSfCEpRoFHfeHkTNDbLEEf50OVF-6bLEJSvpKt3Hbxg_Y5kqx3jDO-AUlxkZNJmUI8kJO7jIemgVqAOx7Ydiiuc21-yYcekowLKMfMdE/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE6dSMtDvzpOmaEK3iD6Rhbz8JzV_XAvcQ0GeSfCEpRoFHfeHkTNDbLEEf50OVF-6bLEJSvpKt3Hbxg_Y5kqx3jDO-AUlxkZNJmUI8kJO7jIemgVqAOx7Ydiiuc21-yYcekowLKMfMdE/s200/IMG_3259.JPG" width="150" /></a>Upon arrival, we decided to take Dicey Mills to Rollins in and out instead of the loop up Blueberry Ledge and down the former two, assuming the ledges above would be slick at best. To begin the hike, one must walk out of the parking lot and back to the road and take a right. A few fortunate souls live on the dirt road at least part of the year and it's a nice easy way to settle into a hike. Past the gate that welcomes hikers while barring vehicles, we passed through a large meadow, then a smaller one before entering the woods, enjoying the soft dirt beneath our boots. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey Dog!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4wnLpFRPPWKB__lIgvmH-96ghxhaRUXbaDhMdlrzk9rov4baQSN7Q2HDgUU4Yd9sJakZKODRtOYbhzqnIQ6hR-3-PLECCTP8BRHfxDpO09lLM8S5qMXs76vfgX_K5ZZBn1yCDqVg4Ko/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4wnLpFRPPWKB__lIgvmH-96ghxhaRUXbaDhMdlrzk9rov4baQSN7Q2HDgUU4Yd9sJakZKODRtOYbhzqnIQ6hR-3-PLECCTP8BRHfxDpO09lLM8S5qMXs76vfgX_K5ZZBn1yCDqVg4Ko/s200/IMG_3284.JPG" width="200" /></a>Shortly after the bridge to the Tom Wiggins Trail, the ascent began, gently and with good footing. I suppose I can say that about most of Dicey Mills Trail. Some slightly steeper staircases here and there but a truly moderate trail in every sense, it was lovely and extra appreciated in light of my cold and the occasional gentle rain. Even still, I increasingly found myself struggling as we neared the junction to head towards Whiteface. I felt pretty guilty about it too since Ty was practical giddy (but well behaved!) and Tango was uncharacteristically gung-ho. He probably felt the need to show off being the only guy and all! He had a new chica to impress too; this was our long awaited first hike with Amy and her rescue chow mix Audrey. <br />
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<i>four leggers... </i><br />
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At the junction, Hannah referred to her map, which told us that Passaconaway was half the distance as Whiteface so again, we changed course. Because, as experienced WMNF hikers have already realized, I forgot Dicey Mills doesn't meet up with Blueberry ledge on the southeast side of the summit but wraps around it. A convenient mistake on my part, thankfully.<br />
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I don't recall much until next intersection at a sort-of left to reach the viewless summit of Passaconaway. The trail became increasingly more challenging and included a few nice, brief scrambles that were doable in the rain. One of them I recalled from when Linda and I hiked there in 2012 and had our first experience with boiler plate ice (and missing junctions!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf57RpLI3PK1aCeUzwnLf71da5APWqqc6Ffdnp-W8i2LaWEo1_GvsPO-hvtLtXh9WznWc-I7lgV7m4kXsKSDdEUTQAhdA92XsBMAD6l16Iy_wKkoOnNtCYGgRt4gdpCMV40QdKVzC6Fo/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf57RpLI3PK1aCeUzwnLf71da5APWqqc6Ffdnp-W8i2LaWEo1_GvsPO-hvtLtXh9WznWc-I7lgV7m4kXsKSDdEUTQAhdA92XsBMAD6l16Iy_wKkoOnNtCYGgRt4gdpCMV40QdKVzC6Fo/s320/IMG_3370.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is trouble! Ty was feeling very peppy having a <br />
hiking partner who matches her pace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWc9W_xvbtgPeA6hWnXOhlzZSygP3LWU-CQoivy7MV0223mafU4RUNq2l8i8oL22gPjWK-AKOmKdqGz0Aj5Xi2owpLFuGuOqbTDYALiLBiHNLpREkN3TzOkWabtMkOPZL3gCMhDLyaA0/s1600/IMG_3449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWc9W_xvbtgPeA6hWnXOhlzZSygP3LWU-CQoivy7MV0223mafU4RUNq2l8i8oL22gPjWK-AKOmKdqGz0Aj5Xi2owpLFuGuOqbTDYALiLBiHNLpREkN3TzOkWabtMkOPZL3gCMhDLyaA0/s320/IMG_3449.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't all rocks and boulders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyin5rz8Lum2eL4BcvnwNYizHKhNBU2bzMQLsgWTW-p0RLdvOTDfu0uqc-0zjF-fZONRBB-1O0r7v-WtJSPC3u3UZht8CrluBFZEbgdLFZ6GEymWj18QNaU3xmHdJSoDeGJFUlKhCrJ4/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyin5rz8Lum2eL4BcvnwNYizHKhNBU2bzMQLsgWTW-p0RLdvOTDfu0uqc-0zjF-fZONRBB-1O0r7v-WtJSPC3u3UZht8CrluBFZEbgdLFZ6GEymWj18QNaU3xmHdJSoDeGJFUlKhCrJ4/s320/IMG_3465.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scramble time!</td></tr>
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Just as with the last time, the potential vista slightly before the summit was shrouded in thick clouds and we continued on. The true summit is along one a of a couple small herd paths and is marked with a cairn... and maybe a wooden marker but I don't recall. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8chyphenhyphennWXD83YXvDdFsRz0URRZe1KrD470Dt_3SR187U6xfMRgH5Ed6i-sScvRZRCdZn_zxLD5VwgdKhKKQ2rhmInIOtv_YzWYCJ9Q5PS55uKcilwMRw4TjZTOG_A3FEVjmsymkahJFXvM/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8chyphenhyphennWXD83YXvDdFsRz0URRZe1KrD470Dt_3SR187U6xfMRgH5Ed6i-sScvRZRCdZn_zxLD5VwgdKhKKQ2rhmInIOtv_YzWYCJ9Q5PS55uKcilwMRw4TjZTOG_A3FEVjmsymkahJFXvM/s320/IMG_3466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeL6W7qccNlXtJIc4bMUELw4ND18_DqhUc5rQQp5lTExJIeKvjE0VFnIAtIPWzr7d1YFhiseTA9TRXIZpwmnaVRSv3su76_NgC3iRoQbxhFMVcol6OGC8EMN8180kVWt-ZtvECYumUEc/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeL6W7qccNlXtJIc4bMUELw4ND18_DqhUc5rQQp5lTExJIeKvjE0VFnIAtIPWzr7d1YFhiseTA9TRXIZpwmnaVRSv3su76_NgC3iRoQbxhFMVcol6OGC8EMN8180kVWt-ZtvECYumUEc/s320/IMG_3468.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3-way intersection with the herd path</td></tr>
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We made our traditional photo attempts, celebrated another 4K, which we haven't accomplished much of lately, and decided to take the other side of the loop back down to Dicey's Mill, for no other reason than to mix things up.</div>
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It was rough but we were happy to be descending rather than ascending (like the handful of folks we passed). Like the other side of the loop, there were a few steep sections where we held onto tree limbs or scooted down. The day's biggest laugh came while I was squatting down to prepare to hop down a ledge. Lilo is one of the most unique trail dogs we've met. She's like a freight train: slow and steady and always moving forward. So at that particular moment, I was blocking the path of said pibble train, who, without flinching stuffed her head under my armpit and continued onward. Between laughing and being forced forward, I almost tumbled down the rocks!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above: going down a steep section, <br />
below: looking up at the same section</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rocks I was nearly run over at!<br />
(Just before the Walden Trail)</td></tr>
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After that, the trail was curvy and mellow and we caught a couple of glimpses of orange hills through the wet trees. Before long, we passed familiar intersections. Along the last section of Dicey's Mills, the group began to spread out, as Ty, inspired in part by the buoyant and adventurous Audrey, began pushing the limits of her permitted distance from me while Lilo's steady pace lost some "oomph," as it was later discovered, from some minor pad abrasions. <br />
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By the meadows, we'd re-converged and walked down the road together, enjoying the quintessential "New England-ness" of it all. The road walk and drive to and from the trailhead produced the most views of the foliage but there is certainly something to be said for hiking through the fall colors as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waning but still mesmerizing color</td></tr>
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Aside from all the emotional highlights of Sunday's hike, it's a nice one to recommend for dogs. The footing and grade are solid except for the summit loop, which offers reasonable challenges. There is only one noted water crossing/water source; however, Hannah covered the same trails during a different hike in early July and recalled a handful of seasonal runoff streams. The trailhead was nearly full and we saw enough people to not feel remote but it's a comparatively quiet hike. For the humans, there aren't many opportunities for views but the hike itself is quite enjoyable and all the dogs seemed very happy with it, which, let's face it, is why we're here!<br />
<br />pawsonpeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158404872941869404noreply@blogger.com2